By BONIFACE AKARAH

African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential hopeful, Mr. Peter Obi, has said the presence of Nigerian-linked athletes on the Super Bowl stage reflects the vast but underutilised potential of Nigeria and its people.

Obi made the remark while preparing to watch the championship game, noting that “three exceptional Nigerians” were representing their heritage at one of the world’s biggest sporting events — Michael Onwenu of the New England Patriots, Uchenna Nwosu of the Seattle Seahawks, and Seattle’s Offensive Player of the Year, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, whom he described as being of Nigerian descent.

According to the 3023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, “their success is not accidental; it is the result of discipline, opportunity, and systems that recognize and reward talent.” He added that watching their achievements naturally provokes reflection on “what Nigerians can achieve when provided with the right environment to thrive.”

Obi reiterated his recurring national message, declaring that “a new Nigeria is POssible,” while arguing that the country’s limitations stem not from lack of talent but from leadership failure.

He said: “If our country were governed with vision, competence, and integrity, and if leadership focused on building strong institutions, investing in people, and creating equal opportunities, there would be no limit to what Nigerians could accomplish — not just in sports, but in science, technology, business, education, and every sphere of human endeavor.”

Emphasising the broader implication, Obi maintained that “Nigeria is not lacking in talent,” stressing instead that “what we have lacked for too long is leadership that unleashes that talent.”

He concluded that “when we get leadership right, Nigeria will not only participate on the global stage but will consistently excel and lead.”