Nigerian-American football star Morotoluwa Ojomo, fresh off his 2025 Super Bowl triumph with the Philadelphia Eagles, has unveiled ambitious plans to empower Nigeria’s next generation of athletes through a proposed sports academy. The 24-year-old athlete, who touched down in Lagos this week with his family, aims to bridge opportunities for young Nigerians by nurturing talent in American football and Olympic flag football—a sport set to debut at the 2028 Games.
During a Saturday meeting in Abuja with Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Ojomo emphasized the transformative power of investing in youth. “Our vision is to build an academy that doesn’t just celebrate athletes of Nigerian heritage abroad but equips young people here with the skills to thrive,” he said. The proposed institution would focus on strength training, technical development, and mentorship, with flag football positioned as a gateway to global competitions.
From Lagos to Los Angeles: A Champion’s Journey
Born in Lagos in 2001, Ojomo relocated to California at age seven, where he honed his athletic prowess. His pivotal role in securing the Eagles’ second-ever Super Bowl victory cemented his place among Nigerian-born NFL stars like C.J. Uzomah and Charles Omenihu. Now, he’s channeling that success into grassroots impact. “American football isn’t widely understood here yet,” Ojomo acknowledged. “But we’re already conducting flag football tryouts in Lagos to build teams capable of Olympic qualification by 2028.”
Government Backing and Diaspora Collaboration
Dabiri-Erewa hailed Ojomo’s dual victory—on the field and as a cultural ambassador—announcing plans for the federal government to honor him formally. “Your pride in Nigeria inspires our youth,” she stated, inviting him to share his journey at July’s Diaspora Day celebrations. “Excellence abroad never dims your connection to home.”
The commissioner also praised Ojomo’s partnership with local organizations to demystify American football, noting that his academy could reduce talent drain while fostering national pride. Meanwhile, Ojomo reaffirmed his commitment: “This isn’t about creating shortcuts. It’s about proving that with infrastructure and belief, Nigerian athletes can dominate any arena.”
As Ojomo’s blueprint gains momentum, stakeholders anticipate a ripple effect: fewer youths risking illegal migration for opportunities abroad, and more seeing sports as a viable path to success. With flag football’s Olympic inclusion and Nigeria’s untapped athletic potential, his homecoming campaign may soon rewrite the playbook for the nation’s sports development.