NFL Nigerian stars in the diaspora showcase how they roll
By Ed Emeanua
Nigerian and Nigerian-American stars are notably featured in the 2025 NFL season as they shine through.
Including plethora of prominent rookies and tested veterans, the following is a list of players with Nigerian roots holding down primordial spirit and intrinsic industry borne out of the Nigerian vajra pride in the ongoing season:
2025 NFL rookies
Eight players of Nigerian extraction were picked in the 2025 NFL Draft alone. The overall rookie standouts in the NFL from that country include:
- Emeka Egbuka (WR), Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Drafted 19th overall, Egbuka won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month award for September 2025.
- Chimere Dike (WR), Elic Ayomanor (WR), and Tommy Akingbesote (OL/DL): Other Nigerian-American prospects from the 2025 draft.
- Donavan Ezeiruaku (DE) and Princely Umanmielen (DE): Talented defensive players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Christian Mahogany (OG), Nick Emmanwori (DB), and Oluwafemi Oladejo (LB): Other promising Nigerian-American rookies.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have a notable Nigerian force on their inventory.
The Ravens have a notable Nigerian force on their inventory.
- Odafe Oweh (LB): Born to Nigerian parents, Oweh is a mainstay in the Ravens’ defense.
- Nnamdi Madubuike (DT): Born in Texas to Nigerian parents, Madubuike is an underlying pillar of the Ravens’ defensive line.
- David Ojabo (LB): Born in Nigeria, Ojabo contributes athleticism and edge-rushing forte.
- C.J. Okoye (DT): Part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program, Okoye integrated into Ravens’ active roster in the 2025 season after two years on the Chargers’ training squad.
Chicago Bears Rome Odunze (WR): The Wide receiver, who has Nigerian ancestry, scored four touchdowns in the first three weeks of the season.
Indianapolis Colts
- Dayo Odeyingbo (DE): A son of Nigerian immigrants, he had a standout performance early in the season.
- Segun Olubi (LB): Made key contributions in the Colts’ Week 7 victory with five tackles and a forced fumble.
Other players of Nigerian descent
- Olumuyiwa Fashanu (T), New York Jets: Drafted 11th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, he is a promising player for the Jets’ offensive line.
- Azeez Ojulari (LB), New York Giants: Born to Nigerian parents, he is a crucial pass-rusher for the Giants.
- Chigoziem Okonkwo (TE), Tennessee Titans: A promising tight end with Nigerian roots.
- Dare Ogunbowale (RB), Houston Texans: A veteran running back who had a notable performance in the early weeks of the season.
- Boye Mafe (LB), Seattle Seahawks: The son of Nigerian immigrants, Mafe has been a standout for the Seahawks.
- Charles Omenihu (DE), Kansas City Chiefs: Was part of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl-winning roster in the 2024 season.
Several stars of Nigerian extraction are active in the current NFL season, including both seasoned veterans and rookies drafted earlier this year.
Noteworthy players with Nigerian heritage in 2025.
Veteran standouts
- Odafe Oweh (Former Baltimore Ravens, Linebacker, now with Los Angeles Chargers): Born in New Jersey to Nigerian parents, Oweh is a key contributor to the Ravens’ defense.
- Nnamdi Madubuike (Baltimore Ravens, Defensive Tackle): Born in Texas to Nigerian parents, Madubuike was rewarded for his explosive performance in the 2024 season with a long-term contract.
- Boye Mafe (Seattle Seahawks, Linebacker): The son of Nigerian immigrants, Mafe was a standout performer in 2024 and is on track for a strong 2025 season.
- Azeez Ojulari (New York Giants, Linebacker): Born to Nigerian parents, Ojulari is known for his pass-rushing skills.
- David Onyemata (Atlanta Falcons, Defensive Tackle): Onyemata, who was born in Nigeria, has been a successful professional football player since being drafted in 2016.
- Dare Ogunbowale (Houston Texans, Running Back): The son of Nigerian immigrants, Ogunbowale continues to be a reliable veteran for the Texans.
2025 draft class
A wave of Nigerian-American talent was selected during the 2025 NFL Draft, adding to the growing contingent of players with Nigerian roots. These rookies include:
- Emeka Egbuka (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wide Receiver): A first-round pick, Egbuka has made an immediate impact with the Buccaneers.
- Elic Ayomanor (Tennessee Titans, Wide Receiver): The Titans drafted this promising wide-out in 2025.
- Tommy Akingbesote (Drafted 2025): The defensive lineman was drafted in 2025.
- Donavan Ezeiruaku (Drafted 2025): This young pass-rusher was picked in the 2025 draft.
- Princely Umanmielen (Drafted 2025): Umanmielen is a defensive end selected by the 2025 NFL draft.
Other rostered players
- Moro Ojomo (Philadelphia Eagles, Defensive Tackle): After winning the Super Bowl with the Eagles in early 2025, the Nigerian-born defensive tackle is still a rostered player.
- Chukwuebuka Godrick (Drafted 2025): An offensive lineman who was selected through the International Player Pathway program.
- C.J. Okoye (Baltimore Ravens): A defensive end who joined the Ravens as part of the International Player Pathway program.
While a player like Houston Texans’ Dare Ogunbowale has had a respectable NFL career as a reliable backup and special teams contributor, his production doesn’t place him among the elite players of Nigerian extraction.
Other Nigerian-American players with notable success
The NFL has many players of Nigerian descent who have achieved greater success and distinction than Ogunbowale. Some prominent examples include:
- Osi Umenyiora: A former New York Giants defensive end and two-time Super Bowl champion. He has become a prominent ambassador for the NFL in Africa.
- David Ojabo: The Baltimore Ravens linebacker was a high draft pick known for his pass-rushing skills and is having a solid career.
- Emmanuel Ogbah: The defensive end, currently with the Dolphins, was a Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs and has a long-standing record of production in the NFL.
- Samson Ebukam: The defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts has established himself as a solid NFL starter.
- Dayo Odeyingbo: Another Colts defensive lineman, he was recognized by ESPN as the “African Player of the Week” during the 2024 season for his standout defensive performance.
- Nelson Agholor: The Ravens wide receiver has had a productive career, including a Super Bowl win, and has shown more offensive prowess than Ogunbowale.
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