The Nigerian-born American football player, Morotoluwa Ojomo, who recently won the 2025 National Football League Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, has revealed plans to establish an academy in Nigeria aimed at empowering young athletes.

Ojomo, who arrived in Lagos on Wednesday with his parents and sister, spoke about his vision to create opportunities for the youth and to nurture the next generation of athletes in Nigeria.

Ojomo, at a meeting with the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on Saturday in Abuja, shared his belief that the future of Nigeria lies in investing in its youths.

In addition to his plans for the academy, Ojomo also discussed his commitment to working 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,? the footballer explained.

He emphasised the importance of providing young people with the resources and platforms to grow in both strength and skill, with the ultimate goal of making Nigeria the greatest country in the world.

?The youth is where change is made, and investing in them is of the utmost importance,? he said.

Ojomo, who was born in Lagos and moved to California at the age of seven, reflected on his own journey to success and how his Nigerian roots played a vital role in shaping his determination and perseverance.

He credited his upbringing for the values that helped him achieve his Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles, a feat that has now placed him alongside other Nigerian-born NFL champions.

?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.

He expressed his belief that Nigeria is a country full of potential, and through collaboration and investment in the youth, Nigeria can become a global leader in sports.

?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,? Ojomo remarked during the meeting.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in her remarks, congratulated Ojomo on his Super Bowl victory and his contributions to promoting Nigeria?s name on the global stage.

She acknowledged the national honor that will be conferred on him by the Nigerian government, noting that his success serves as an inspiration for younger Nigerians.

She expressed her appreciation for Ojomo?s dedication to his roots and his vision for creating lasting change in the country.

?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 participate in the upcoming Diaspora Day on July 25 to share his story and inspire others.

Ojomo, who was born in Lagos in 2001 and moved to California at age seven, played a key role in the Eagles? Super Bowl win, securing their second-ever championship title.

His victory places him alongside other Nigerian-born NFL champions, including C.J. Uzomah, Chukwuebuka Godrick, Chris Oladokun, and Charles Omenihu. (Saturday PUNCH)

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