Meet the “Sons of the Soil” who are taking over Super Bowl LX. Each story is a testament to the “Naija Spirit”—resilience, academic excellence, and raw athletic power.
1. Mike Onwenu | #71 | Guard (New England Patriots)
The Anchor of Foxborough
• The Journey: Born in Detroit to Nigerian immigrant parents, Mike’s path was defined by “size and soul.” At the University of Michigan, he was a massive presence on the O-line, appearing in 46 games. Despite being a 6th-round draft pick in 2020, Onwenu shocked the league by becoming one of the highest-rated linemen in the NFL as a rookie.
• Heritage: Mike is deeply connected to his roots. He recently signed a massive $57 million contract extension, making him one of the highest-paid Nigerian-descent players in the league. He is known for his “workhorse” mentality, a trait he attributes to his upbringing in a strict, achievement-oriented Nigerian household.
2. Uchenna Nwosu | #7 | Linebacker (Seattle Seahawks)
The Pride of the “Super Eagles” Defense
• The Journey: A Southern California (USC) legend, Uchenna was the 2017 USC Co-MVP before being drafted in the 2nd round by the Chargers. He moved to Seattle in 2022, where he immediately became a defensive captain.
• Heritage: His full name is Anon Uchenna Nwosu Jr. He has been one of the most vocal ambassadors for NFL Africa, participating in the league’s first official events in Ghana and Nigeria. He famously wears the Nigerian flag decal on his helmet and is close friends with fellow Nigerian-American NFL legend Nnamdi Asomugha.
3. Boye Mafe | #53 | Linebacker (Seattle Seahawks)
The Speed of the Sahara
• The Journey: Born to Wale and Bola Mafe, Boye’s story is unique. At age 13, his parents sent him to boarding school in Nigeria for a year to ensure he understood his culture and discipline. He returned to Minnesota as a transformed athlete, eventually becoming a 2nd-round pick for Seattle in 2022.
• Heritage: Mafe credits that year in Nigeria for his “mental toughness.” He holds the Seahawks’ franchise record for consecutive games with a sack and often speaks about representing the “200 million people back home” every time he takes the field.
4. Olusegun “Olu” Oluwatimi | #55 | Center (Seattle Seahawks)
The Intellectual Giant
• The Journey: One of the most decorated centers in college history, Olu won both the Rimington Trophy (Best Center) and the Outland Trophy (Best Interior Lineman) at Michigan. Drafted in 2023, he quickly rose to become the “brain” of Seattle’s offensive line.
• Heritage: His name, Olusegun, means “God is Victorious.” An Economics graduate, Oluwatimi embodies the “Scholar-Athlete” ideal that Nigerian parents dream of. He is the strategist on the field, responsible for calling out defensive shifts and protecting the quarterback.
5. Nick Emmanwori | #3 | Safety (Seattle Seahawks)
The Rising Star
• The Journey: The youngest of the group, Nick was a 2nd-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of South Carolina. A 6’3″ physical marvel at safety, he was a Freshman All-American and a First-Team All-American. He enters Super Bowl LX as one of the most feared young hitters in the league.
• Heritage: A first-generation Nigerian-American from South Carolina, Nick’s rise has been meteoric. His inclusion in the Seahawks’ “Naija contingent” has solidified Seattle as the unofficial team of the Nigerian diaspora.
6. Thomas Odukoya | #78 | Tight End (New England Patriots)
The International Pioneer
• The Journey: Born in Amsterdam to Nigerian parents, Thomas’s journey is a global odyssey. He moved to the US to play JUCO ball, then Eastern Michigan, before entering the NFL via the International Player Pathway (IPP).
• Heritage: Thomas represents the “Global Nigerian.” Growing up in the Netherlands but maintaining his culture, he proves that no matter where in the world a Nigerian is born, the talent and drive remain the same. He is a trailblazer for European-based Nigerian athletes looking to make it to the NFL.