Nigeria is known for many things; besides the fastest growing economy in Africa, Nigeria boasts great soccer, NBA, and football players. The majority of the players have taken to the NFL. These players were either born in Nigeria and moved to the U.S., won a green card, or were born of Nigerian parents in the U.S.
While choosing your favorite NFL odds, top teams won’t miss a Nigerian player. We’ve combed through the NFL league for Nigerian players. Out of the over 50 players, here are the top players for the NFL with their respective teams and a brief history.
Follow through for more details.
Odafe Jayson Oweh of Baltimore Ravens
Odafe Jayson Oweh plays as an outside linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens In the NFL. Previously, Odafe played for Penn State and later got drafted by the Ravens in the first round in 2021. Oweh is of Nigerian descent, born to Nigerian parents living in Hackensack, New Jersey.
His commitment to Penn State allowed him to play in the NFL league. Oweh recorded 38 tackles in seven games in his final season. Odafe’s height is 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) and weighs 251 lb (114 kg), perfect for his position.
Levi Onwuzurike, Detroit Lions
Levi Onwuzurike was born in 1998 in Allen, Texas. He began his career at Allen High School, where he received honors for the best District 6-6A Defensive MVP. Later, he’d play college ball for the Washington Huskies, where he was named First Team All Pac-12 as an edge rusher.
Onwuzurike was drafted in the second round by the Detroit Lions. He stands at 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) and weighs 293 lb (133 kg), giving him an advantage at the position.
Osa Odighizuwa, Dallas Cowboys
Osa Odighizuwa is a defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys. He was drafted during the third round of the 2021 Draft. Previously, the Dayton, Ohio native played for UCLA before going pro.
Odighizuwa is a huge man, standing at 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) and weighs 294 lb (133 kg). He’s an excellent run-stuffer and a big part of the Cowboys defense. In his NFL career, Odighizuwa has had 18 tackles and two sacks. Other than football, he was also a wrestler and was on the track team for one season.
Ifeatu Melifonwu, Detroit Lions
Ifeatu Melifonwu plays cornerback for Detroit, joining fellow Nigerian Onwuzurike. Melifonwu was born in 1999 and attended Grafton High school, where he played three positions: defensive back, running back, and wide receiver.
Also drafted in 2021, Melifonwu missed time due to a leg injury but he should be healthy again and on the field starting in Week 13.
Prince Tega Wanogho, Kansas City Chiefs
Prince Tega was born in Nigeria and currently plays for the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs. The 24-year-old plays the offensive tackle position. He stands at 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) and weighs 309 lb (140 kg) which is a great fit for his position.
He got drafted in 2020 and has so far played two games. Previously, Tega had a serious leg injury that kept him out of play for a while.
Azeez Ojulari, New York Giants
Azeez Ojulari was born in Georgia, the U.S.A, in 2000 and currently plays for the New York Giants as an outside linebacker. He stands at 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) and weighs 249 lb (113 kg) which makes him a powerhouse at his position.
During his school days at Marietta High School in Georgia, he made 118 tackles and 11 sacks. He was an elite edge rusher with the Georgia Bulldogs in his collegiate career. In 2020, Azeez was the second-team All-SEC and was the defensive MVP.
In his NFL career, he has made 25 tackles and 6.5 tackles as of publication.
Temidayo Jordan Odeyingbo, Indianapolis Colts
Temidayo Jordan “Dayo” Odeyingbo is a son of Nigerian Immigrants. He plays for the Indianapolis Colts as a defensive end. At 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) and 276 lb (125 kg), he is a swift player in his position.
He has made two tackles, 0.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in his NFL career.
Joseph Ossai, Cincinnati Bengals
Joseph Ossai was born in 2000 in Nigeria then moved to the U.S. in 2010. He currently plays for the Bengals as a defensive end. He played college ball for the Texas Longhorns and got drafted in 2021.
