Nigerian-born American football player, Morotoluwa Ojomo, who recently helped the Philadelphia Eagles secure the 2025 Super Bowl victory, has unveiled plans to establish a sports academy in Nigeria.
This initiative is aimed at empowering young athletes and creating opportunities for them to develop in both strength and skill.
Ojomo, who arrived in Lagos on Wednesday with his parents and sister, shared his vision during a meeting with the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja on Saturday.
He said the importance of investing in the nation’s youth, believing that the future of Nigeria lies in doing so.
“I believe the future of Nigeria lies in investing in its youths,” Ojomo said. “The youth is where change is made, and investing in them is of the utmost importance.”
At the meeting, Ojomo explained that his goal is not only to build an academy but also to promote flag football in Nigeria.
“What we are working on now is just to provide more opportunities for the youths and ultimately make Nigeria the greatest country in the world. So that’s the goal,” he added.
He further discussed efforts to prepare Nigerian flag football teams for the 2028 Olympics, with tryouts currently taking place in Lagos.
Ojomo highlighted that the popularity of American football in Nigeria is limited because of a lack of understanding about the sport.
He said, “The goal is to see Nigerians doing well in American football. I believe the sport is not popular in Nigeria because people do not understand it.”
He expressed optimism that the flag football movement will gain traction and contribute to a broader interest in American football.
“There is a lot of work being done with the flag football team. Some tryouts are happening in Lagos right now. I think they want to get them ready for the Olympics in 2028,” Ojomo explained.
Reflecting on his own journey, Ojomo credited his Nigerian roots for shaping his perseverance and determination.
“I would not be here without Nigeria. I think that there is a saying that the grass is not greener where you go, it’s greener when you water it. We have the opportunity to water it,” he said, revealing how his upbringing instilled values that helped him reach the pinnacle of his career.
Ojomo’s efforts to establish the academy are fueled by his belief in Nigeria’s potential.
“We have the opportunity to provide the youth with the resources and platforms to grow in strength and skill.
The goal is to ultimately make Nigeria the greatest country in the world,” he remarked.
Ojomo’s journey from Lagos to California, where he began his football career at the age of seven, has culminated in his Super Bowl victory, placing him alongside other notable Nigerian-born NFL champions.
Now, with his plans for the sports academy and flag football development, Ojomo is committed to shaping the future of Nigerian athletes and helping the country make a lasting impact in global sports.
