Meet Uchenna Nwosu, Olusegun, other Nigerian-heritage players on display at Super Bowl LX

The Seattle Seahawks cruised to Super Bowl glory on Sunday, routing the New England Patriots 29–13 to claim their second Lombardi Trophy, with some players boasting Nigerian heritage on display.

Quarterback Sam Darnold capped his remarkable turnaround story with a composed performance on the biggest stage, throwing for a touchdown and nearly 200 yards to seal victory.

Beyond the scoreline, the game carried special significance for Nigerians and people of Nigerian descent, who were well represented among the standout performers in the NFL’s showpiece event.

Nigerian Roots Power Seahawks to Super Bowl Triumph

Seattle’s roster featured a strong contingent of Nigerian-heritage players who played key roles in the team’s championship run.

Uchenna Nwosu (Linebacker)

Veteran linebacker Uchenna Nwosu was a cornerstone of the Seahawks’ defence. Born in Carson, California, to Nigerian parents, Nwosu has embraced his heritage throughout his career. He recorded 107 tackles and seven sacks during the 2025 season, bringing his career total to 34.5 sacks.
“Being Nigerian is about hard work; it’s in our DNA,” he once said, underscoring the values that have shaped his journey.

Boye Mafe (Linebacker)

Boye Mafe, born to Nigerian immigrant parents in Minnesota, continued to establish himself as one of Seattle’s most explosive defenders. He added five sacks and seven tackles for loss in 2025 and holds the Seahawks’ franchise record for most consecutive games with a sack.

Nick Emmanwori (Safety)

Rookie safety Nick Emmanwori made an instant impact after being drafted in 2025. Raised in a Nigerian-American household in South Carolina, he tallied 81 tackles, 11 pass breakups and an interception in his debut season, quickly earning a reputation as a versatile defensive standout.

Olusegun “Olu” Oluwatimi (Center)

On the offensive line, Oluwatimi provided stability and leadership. Drafted in 2023, he allowed zero sacks in his starts during the 2025 season and played a key role in protecting the quarterback and orchestrating line calls.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Wide Receiver)

One of the NFL’s breakout stars, Smith-Njigba—whose heritage traces to Sierra Leone and Nigeria—led the league with 1,793 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025, earning Offensive Player of the Year honours. His route-running and hands have made him a central figure in Seattle’s offence.

Jalen Milroe (Quarterback)

Backup quarterback Jalen Oluwaseun Isaiah Milroe, son of a Nigerian-heritage mother, added a dynamic rushing element in select packages, rushing for 157 yards and two touchdowns during the season.

Patriots’ Nigerian Presence

The New England Patriots also featured Nigerian heritage on their roster, led by Michael Onwenu, one of the league’s most dominant offensive linemen. The Detroit native, who has strong ties to Nigeria, started all 17 games in 2025 and anchored a Patriots line that posted a franchise-record rushing average.

Vanguard News

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