NFL champion Moro Ojomo to launch sports academy in Nigeria

Nigerian-born American football star Morotoluwa Ojomo also known as Moro Ojomo has announced plans to establish a sports academy in Nigeria to empower young athletes.

Ojomo recently won the 2025 Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles. He arrived in Lagos on Wednesday with his parents and sister.

The athlete spoke about his vision to create opportunities for Nigerian youth and nurture the next generation of athletes.

During a meeting with the chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on Saturday in Abuja, Ojomo emphasised that investing in young people is key to Nigeria’s future.

Beyond the academy, he also pledged to collaborate with local organisations to promote flag football in Nigeria, with the goal of qualifying teams for the 2028 Olympics.

“In the meeting yesterday, we proposed a plan to ultimately build an academy that not only promotes Nigerian-born athletes overseas or Nigerian descendants who come back and visit but also points to the youths and gives them abilities to grow in strength and grow into skill. That is what is in the pipeline,” Ojomo said.

He noted that while American football is not widely popular in Nigeria, efforts are underway to raise awareness and increase participation.

“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,” he explained.

Ojomo highlighted the importance of providing young athletes with the necessary resources and platforms to grow, expressing confidence in Nigeria’s potential to become a global leader in sports.

Reflecting on his own journey, Ojomo credited his Nigerian upbringing for instilling in him the determination and perseverance that led to his Super Bowl victory.

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.

In her remarks, Abike Dabiri-Erewa congratulated Ojomo on his Super Bowl success and commended his commitment to uplifting Nigerian youth. She also announced that the Nigerian government would be honoring him for his achievements.

“We thank you for making us so proud and I know that you are passionate about your country. You are passionate about the younger Nigerians, and you want to make a difference in their lives. Home will always be home, no matter how much you excel abroad,” she said, inviting him to share his story at the upcoming Diaspora Day on July 25.

Born in Lagos in 2001 before moving to California at the age of seven, Ojomo played a crucial role in the Eagles’ championship win. His victory places him among other Nigerian-born NFL champions, including C.J. Uzomah, Chukwuebuka Godrick, Chris Oladokun and Charles Omenihu.