The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu received Morotoluwa Ojomo, a Nigerian professional American football defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League, who recently won the 2025 National Football League Super Bowl, at Lagos House, Ikeja.

Sanwo-Olu expressed happiness at the footballer’s visitation and beamed at his success at the Super Bowl, stating the champion embodied the Lagos spirit of resilience and determination.

In his words: “Seeing a young Nigerian achieve greatness on America’s biggest sporting stage is truly inspiring.

“Moro’s journey from Lagos to the NFL embodies the Omoluabi spirit; resilience, discipline, and excellence. His success is a testament to the boundless potential of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.

“Beyond the game, his visit serves as a powerful reminder to our youth that with hard work and determination, the world is within reach.

“Lagos will continue to support and celebrate its global ambassadors, ensuring that future generations have the platform and opportunities to excel.” The governor added

Ojomo had gotten back to the country last week, alongside his family and revealed his vision to create opportunities for Nigerian youths and to nurture the next generation of athletes

The football defensive also hope to work with local organisations to promote flag football in Nigeria, with the hope 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.

“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.

“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.

Photo credit: @jidesanwoolu

By: Adeoye Olorunseun Elizabeth