Nigeria’s Moro Ojomo, Other African Players Shine in the NFL, Making History in the 2024-25 Season

By Emmanuel Kwada

In a thrilling culmination to the 2024-25 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles soared to victory in a lopsided Super Bowl LIX rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs, held on a electrifying Sunday night in New Orleans. The Eagles’ triumphant win, with a score of 40-22, not only shattered the Chiefs’ hopes of a three-peat but also marked a momentous occasion for Nigerian-American defensive tackle Moro Ojomo. The 23-year-old sensation had already made headlines three weeks prior with his first career sack against the Los Angeles Rams, and now, he was basking in the glory of a Super Bowl win.

Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl champ Moro Ojomo. Photo credit: ESPN

As the clock struck midnight in Africa, the Eagles’ victory was met with jubilation, capping off an unforgettable season that will be etched in the memories of football fans forever.

The stage was set for a thrilling rematch, with the two teams having clashed in the Super Bowl two years ago, and the Chiefs emerging victorious, only to defend their title against the San Francisco 49ers the following year. However, this time around, the Eagles were determined to spoil the Chiefs’ party, and they did so in style, with a dominant performance that left the Kansas City team reeling. For Moro Ojomo, the Super Bowl win was a dream come true, a testament to his hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Moro Ojomo was born on October 5, 2000, in Lagos, Nigeria

Background on Moro Ojomo

Moro Ojomo was born on October 5, 2000, in Lagos, Nigeria. His family moved to the United States when he was just 8 years old, and he grew up in Houston, Texas. Ojomo’s parents, who are both Nigerian immigrants, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a passion for sports from a young age. He began playing football in middle school and quickly fell in love with the game.

Ojomo’s athletic career took off in high school, where he played defensive tackle for the Katy High School Tigers. He was a standout player, earning all-district and all-state honors, and was ranked as one of the top defensive tackles in the state of Texas. After high school, Ojomo received a scholarship to play football at the University of Texas, where he played for the Longhorns from 2018 to 2022.

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Ojomo in the 7th round of the 2023 NFL Draft

College Career

During his time at the University of Texas, Ojomo was a key player on the Longhorns’ defense. He played in 44 games, starting 24, and recorded 104 tackles, 14 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. Ojomo was a two-time All-Big 12 honorable mention and was named to the Academic All-Big 12 first team in 2020.

NFL Career

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Ojomo in the 7th round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He made his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2024 season and quickly became a key contributor to the Eagles’ defense. Ojomo played in 16 games, starting 4, and recorded 24 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.

The Road to Victory

The Eagles’ championship season was marked by strong leadership and teamwork, with quarterback Jalen Hurts leading the charge. Ojomo played a crucial role in the Eagles’ dominant defense, recording 6 solo tackles and helping the team secure a 14-3 record. In the Super Bowl, Ojomo finished the game with 2 total tackles, playing a vital role in shutting down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense for over three quarters.

Ojomo. photo Credit: Reuters 

African NFL Players Make Their Mark

Ojomo’s achievement is not just a notable one for the Eagles; it’s also being celebrated as one of the top 7 African NFL moments of the season. The list of African NFL moments is a testament to the growing presence and impact of African players in the league. Other notable moments include:

-Kene Nwangwu’s 99-yard touchdown for the New York Jets, which was not only an impressive individual achievement but also a highlight of the Jets’ otherwise dismal season.
-Nick Westbrook-Ikhine’s 98-yard touchdown for the Tennessee Titans, which tied the record for the longest touchdown pass in Titans history.

Ojomo in action. Credit Philadelphia Eagles 

-Dare Ogunbowale’s game-winning touchdown for the Houston Texans, which sealed the team’s 24-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
-Chigoziem Okonkwo’s 70-yard touchdown for the Titans, which helped the team secure a 32-27 victory over the Houston Texans.
-Nnamdi Madubuike’s dominant performance against the Cincinnati Bengals, which included 5 tackles, 3 sacks, and 10 pressures.
-Matt Judon’s pick-six for the Atlanta Falcons, which showcased the impressive skills of African players across different teams and positions.

According to data from the NFL Players Association, there are currently 34 African players in the league, making up about 2% of the total player population. However, African players are making a disproportionate impact on the sport, with many contributing to their teams’ success in significant ways.

In the 2024 season, African players accounted for:

– 12% of all touchdowns scored
– 15% of all sacks recorded
– 10% of all interceptions made

These numbers demonstrate the growing influence of African players in the NFL and highlight the importance of their contributions to their teams’ success.

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