By Michael Preston

Nigerian American Football has a new champion.

The third overall selection of the 2020 NFL Draft, cornerback Jeff Okudah, is embracing the country of his parents’ birth by becoming the first official ambassador of the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA).

Preparing to begin his first campaign with the Atlanta Falcons following two seasons with the Detroit Lions, Okudah is one of numerous NFL players of Nigerian heritage. In his ambassadorial role, the former Ohio State standout aims to inspire young African boys and girls to take up the sports of flag and tackle football and be inspired both on and off the field.

“I’m truly excited to open doors for young athletes across Nigeria and to pay it forward,” said Okudah. “It's extremely important to me in collaboration with NAFA to educate the youth of Nigeria. There’s no telling what we will be able to do, and the sky is the limit.

“What made me interested in being an ambassador was watching videos on YouTube and seeing a lot of kids there playing football. I wanted to help build a bridge between playing in America and playing in Nigeria. Kids can have an opportunity to provide for their family and open up a lot more doors. I hope we can create a general awareness of the sport and help a lot more kids take an interest.”

The Okudah family emigrated from Nigeria to Texas in 1990, nine years before Jeff was born, and he became a five-star football recruit at South Grand Prairie High School. The NFL defensive back tells his story and the values that have driven his success in a first-person article at the Players’ Tribune website.

Okudah’s new role has been endorsed by politicians and officials in Nigeria as he prepares to promote the sport in Nigeria.

“Sport is seen as an essential part of the growth of a child and we will continue to give Jeff our support and will encourage our sports teachers to do more,” said Young Olufunke representing the Nigeria Ministry of Education. “We are wishing NAFA and Jeff Okudah the very best in being our ambassador.”

Oluyomi Oluwasanmi, Sports Specialist at the Lagos State Sports Commission, added: “Sports plays a crucial role in the development of every child. We are happy to have Jeff on board and this will be an inspiration for children. When they see a player pass through the sport to the professional level, they will know they need to take their sport seriously. We will always support this project.”

The Nigerian American Football Association currently boasts about 10,000 people playing the sport and has a vision to create increased opportunities for the African continent with a clear intent to integrate Nigeria and the continent with the NFL. Their main objectives are encompassed by ‘The Huddle Way’ focusing on Health, Unity, Diversity, Development, Livelihood, and Entertainment.

“An ambassador is someone that builds bridges and Jeff has already been an ambassador for us before this official recognition,” said Babajide Akeredolu, the President of NAFA. “We look forward to him helping us grow the sport in Nigeria and reaching our goal of 2 million people enjoying the game here. We believe Jeff will help us take this to the next level.

“The biggest goal for us, having had some success in secondary schools, is expanding within in colleges, and women playing the sport, but first comes flag football. We ultimately want a national team playing flag football. Hopefully with everyone’s support we can achieve that.”

IFAF President Pierre Trochet said: “We are truly hoping to give more opportunities in Africa for boys and girls to get to the next level and Jeff is the ideal person to bring more eyes to the sport in Nigeria.

“Our game is becoming truly global because of what federations around the world are doing to teach coaches and officials and by welcoming young people to the sport. We look forward to them becoming a part of the next IFAF competitions and to a national team from Nigeria participating in our tournaments.”

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