President Bola Tinubu on Friday welcomed Morotoluwa Ojomo, the Nigerian-born defensive lineman who helped the Philadelphia Eagles win Super Bowl LIX, to the State House in Abuja.
Tinubu lauded Ojomo’s remarkable achievement, emphasizing the importance of leveraging the success of Nigerian athletes abroad to inspire and develop homegrown talent.
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During the meeting, Tinubu praised Ojomo’s resilience and dedication, stating:
“Your victory on one of the biggest stages in sports proves that Nigerians can excel anywhere in the world. I urge you to mentor and support young athletes back home, so they, too, can achieve greatness.”
Ojomo, who was born in Lagos before moving to the United States in 2009, played a crucial role in the Eagles’ 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans on February 9, 2025. His journey from Lagos to the NFL highlights the potential of Nigerian youth when given the right opportunities.
Following his visit to Aso Rock, Ojomo was also honored in Lagos, where Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described him as an inspiration to millions. The governor noted that Ojomo’s success reflects the resilience and determination of Lagosians and urged other young athletes to follow his path.
Similarly, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), celebrated Ojomo’s triumph, stressing that his victory is a testament to the global excellence of Nigerians. She encouraged more collaborations between the government and successful diaspora professionals in developing local sports programs.
Ojomo, drafted into the NFL in 2023, joins a growing list of Nigerian-born Super Bowl winners, including C.J. Uzomah and Charles Omenihu. His achievements reinforce Nigeria’s strong representation in American football, a sport that continues to gain popularity among young Nigerians.
With this recognition from the highest levels of government, Ojomo’s success is expected to spark renewed efforts in developing American football in Nigeria, as well as creating more pathways for young athletes to compete on the world stage.
