International talent in domestic sport is something we are fully accustomed to in the modern day and age. While back in the day only athletes from the league’s or competition’s country were allowed to participate, professionals soon began to travel for their job in search of better and highly skilled alternatives abroad. Today, it is encouraged more than ever as every year, more and more international stars and young breakout talent appear in every sport. Among the big American sports, the NBA leads the way forward as the four best players right now are all internationals (Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous Alexander).

One league that is not typically thought of as being international is the NFL. The National Football League is, literally, in a league of its own because it is usually thought of as the only serious and competitive American football league. Rugby and other similar sports are too different to be considered the same, so this form of the game is strictly reserved for the USA. However, that is not to say that no foreign stars participate in it. Many players trace their origin outside of the United States, particularly to Africa. One country in particular, Nigeria, has long been a source of exceptional athletic talent, and the NFL knows it. If you are a fan of the league and the sport, as well as American football betting, read on to learn about where the best international stars come from.

Nigeria: A Country of Sports

Over the decades, and especially the last ten or so years, Nigerian born players and those of Nigerian descent have made significant impacts on the world of professional sport. This is the most pronounced in association football (soccer), but that is a story for another article. In terms of American sports, basketball (NBA) and football (NFL) have seen the most impact. And although most are familiar with basketball foreign talent, not many realize just how much the landscape of football has been influenced by it. From historically important trailblazers to modern day stars, athletes from Nigeria keep leaving important marks on the league.

Christian “The Nigerian Nightmare” Okoye

One of the best and earliest stars from Nigeria and Africa overall was Christian Emeka Okoye. Born in Enugu, he played as a running back for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1987 to 1992. He was selected for the Pro Bowl twice (1989 and 1991), the First team All Pro (1989) once, Second team All Pro (1991) once, and was the 1989 NFL rushing yards leader with 1480 yards. After his career, he was inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame. He was famous for his running style and was among the most feared backs of his era. He had not played any American football before the age of 23, but led the league in yards at 28. Of course, his career helped popularize the NFL in Nigeria and Africa, and he is a cultural icon.

Osi Umenyiora

The defensive end for the New York Giants (2003 to 2012) and Atlanta Falcons (2013 to 2014) was born in London to Nigerian parents and was partly raised in Nigeria. Playing for more than a decade in the NFL, Umenyiora is a 2x Super Bowl Champion (XLII and XLVI) with the Giants. He also had 2 Pro Bowl selections (2005 and 2007), one First team All Pro Selection (2005), and one Second team All Pro selection (2010). In 2010, he led the NFL in forced fumbles. During his time, he was one of the most dominant pass rushers and is a member of the New York Giants Ring of Honor.

Adewale Ogunleye

Another defensive end with a big role for his teams, Ogunleye played for the Miami Dolphins (2000 to 2003), Chicago Bears (2004 to 2009), and Houston Texans (2010). He is of Yoruba and Nigerian descent and was born in Brooklyn, New York. His accolades include a First team All Pro and a Pro Bowl selection, both in 2003, his best season. Adewale was a key part of the Bears’ defense during their run to Super Bowl XLI, which they sadly lost to the Colts. He was known for his durability and leadership of the defensive line.

Emmanuel Ogbah

Now, how about some current Nigerian NFL stars who continue to pave the way forward and represent their origin? Knowing about them can help your Stake in online sports betting. Ogbah is a defensive end currently playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was previously a member of the Cleveland Browns (2016 to 2018), the Kansas City Chiefs (2019), and the Miami Dolphins (2020 to 2024). Born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1993, he won Super Bowl LIV with the Chiefs and is known for his strength and pass rushing skills. He played for Oklahoma State between 2012 and 2015 and was Big 12 Co Defensive Player of the Year in 2015 and Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2014. In both those years, he was First team All Big 12. Standing at 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) and 275 lb (125 kg), he is a consistent starter and a defensive force like many Nigerians before him.

David Ojabo and Chigoziem Okonkwo

Ojabo is a linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens. He was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, in 2000, and raised in Scotland. Drafted as the 45th pick in the 2nd round of the 2022 NFL Draft despite being injured, he is still in his early years in the league with a bright career ahead of him. As a rising talent, he is already known for his explosive athleticism and huge potential. He went to Michigan, where he was a Second team All American and First team All Big Ten in 2021. Ojabo is a part of a promising new generation of Nigerian players who will transform the defensive lines, especially the linebacker and defensive end positions.

Ojabo’s fellow draftee Chigoziem Charlton “Chig” Okonkwo was born to Nigerian parents and is a tight end for the Tennessee Titans. As an emerging weapon in the offense of his team, he is already known for his versatility, athleticism, and yards after catch ability. He was the 143rd pick in the 4th round of the 2022 draft and a member of the PFWA All-Rookie team. Between 2018 and 2021, he played college football for Maryland.

Honorable Mentions

Prince Amukamara, born in Massachusetts to Nigerian parents, was a Super Bowl champion cornerback with the Giants in his rookie season. He was the 19th pick in the 1st round of the 2011 draft and went on to play until 2021 for the Jaguars, Bears, Raiders, Cardinals, and Saints.

Jerry Attaochu, born in Ibadan in Nigeria, is a retired linebacker who played from 2014 to 2022 for the Chargers, 49ers, Jets, Chiefs, Broncos, Bears, and Ravens.

Joseph Ossai from Lagos is a promising young linebacker playing for the Cincinnati Bengals since 2021.

Ebukam Samson, born in Lagos, is a productive edge rusher for the Colts and has been in the league since 2017.

Facts and Trivia about Nigerian Athletes

What about Nigerians in sports outside of the National Football League of the USA? As a nation, they are very talented, and players who hail from this African country have dominated quite a few sports over the decades. Here are some interesting facts and trivia about them, their accomplishments, as well as their ties with their homeland.

Chioma Ajunwa is the first Nigerian to win an Olympic gold medal. She did so in the long jump at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. She is also a former footballer (soccer), as many Nigerians are.

Blessing Okagbare is one of Nigeria’s most decorated sprinters and long jumpers. She has won medals at the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and Olympics, and is a national hero.

Ese Brume won bronze in the long jump at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the first Olympic medal in athletics for the country since 2008.

Jay-Jay Okocha, widely known for his dazzling footwork, never won the African Footballer of the Year award. Despite being widely regarded as one of the most skillful African players ever, the elusive award escaped him.

Victor Osimhen was the top scorer at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup on his way to helping Nigeria win the title. He is now one of Europe’s top strikers and a highly sought target of the biggest clubs.

Many players of Nigerian descent are currently representing other countries. Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was born to Nigerian parents and plays for England. David Alaba is an Austrian international and Real Madrid player; his father is Nigerian.  Jamal Musiala, who plays for Germany, is of mixed Nigerian and German descent. Fikayo Tomori was born in Canada to Nigerian parents, was then raised in England, and now represents England. Noah Okafor is a Swiss international with Nigerian roots who plays for AC Milan.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2x NBA MVP and one of the best basketball players in the last decade, is of Nigerian descent. His parents emigrated from Lagos to Greece, so Giannis and his brothers Thanasis, Alexis, and Kostas play for the Greek national team. He often speaks proudly of his heritage, equally so of Greece and Nigeria.

Hakeem Olajuwon, a Hall of Fame NBA center, was born in Lagos. He played for Nigeria before switching to represent the USA. Hakeem “The Dream” is considered one of the greatest centers in NBA history and one of the best players of African descent.

Current NBA players of Nigerian descent include Precious Achiuwa and OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks and Josh Okogie of the Atlanta Hawks.

Dambe, a traditional Hausa martial art, has gained popularity on YouTube and social media as of late. Fighters sometimes rise to celebrity status within Nigeria and could soon go worldwide.

Israel Adesanya, although representing New Zealand, is of Yoruba descent. He is a former UFC Middleweight Champion and one of the more popular fighters in his prime.

Aruna Quadri is one of Africa’s best ever table tennis players. In 2016, he became the first African to reach the Olympic quarterfinals in men’s singles.

Nigerian Sport FAQs

Statistically, Nigerians are very talented in sports, whether they are born there and represent their country or Nigerian descendants who play elsewhere. Strong, durable, fast, and tough to beat, athletes who can trace their origins to this African country have immense potential, meaning they can become an exceptional sporting nation in the future. Here are some frequently asked questions about sports in this country so that you can learn more about their players and history.

• What is the most popular sport in Nigeria?
  Football (soccer) is by far the most popular sport in Nigeria. It is passionately followed at both the local and international levels.
• Has Nigeria ever won the FIFA World Cup?
  No, Nigeria has not won the senior FIFA World Cup. However, the country has claimed the FIFA U-17 World Cup five times, more than any other nation, which speaks volumes about their young talent that, sadly, goes on to represent other countries.
• What Nigerian football clubs are the most successful domestically?
  Enyimba FC is considered Nigeria’s most successful club. They have won the Nigerian Premier League and domestic cups multiple times, and the CAF Champions League twice.
• Which Nigerian footballers have made a major impact in Europe?
  Notable stars include Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha, and John Obi Mikel. More recently, it has been Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi.
• What is Dambe, and how is it played/done?
  Dambe is a traditional Nigerian martial art associated with the Hausa people. Fighters wrap one fist (the “spear”) for striking, while the other hand (the “shield”) is used for defense.
• How did Nigeria perform at the 1996 Olympics?
  Nigeria had a historic performance, winning two golds, one in men’s football and the other by Chioma Ajunwa in the long jump. They also won a silver in the women’s 4 x 400 metres relay and 3 bronze: women’s 200 metres (Mary Onyali), women’s 300 metres (Falilat Ogunkoya), and super heavyweight boxing (Duncan Dokiwari).
• Are there any successful current female athletes from Nigeria?
  Notable names include Blessing Okagbare (track and field), Ese Brume (long jump), and Asisat Oshoala, a top international footballer.
• What is the Nigerian Basketball Team known for?
  The men’s national team, D’Tigers (The Tigers), made history by defeating Team USA in a 2021 exhibition game. It showcased Nigeria’s growing influence in international basketball. They became the first African team to beat the USA in a basketball game.
• Are there traditional sports unique to Nigeria?
  Apart from Dambe, Kokawa (traditional wrestling) and Ayo (traditional board game played competitively) are culturally significant sports.