Osi Umenyiora Proud to Lead The NFL Africa Program
The African continent is full of natural resources which benefit people all around the world. Now the NFL is seeking to tap into its human resources. We’ve already seen the league expand its interest in Europe. And a game is set to be played in Brazil in South America. So expansion into Africa is logical and Osi Umenyiora is proud to lead the NFL Africa program. The former New York Giant and two-time Super Bowl winner is himself of African descent. He was born in London to Nigerian parents and moved to Auburn Alabama when he was fourteen.
So the NFL Africa program has special meaning for him. Regarding the program Umenyiora said, “It’s truly an honor to be leading the NFL’s efforts across Africa and expand key programming into a fourth country across the continent, Nigeria – a place that is very close to my heart. “We’ve seen the incredible impact the program has had on young athletes’ lives to date. And we look forward to creating more opportunities for global talent. To play the game and grow that impact in the years ahead.”
The NFL Africa expansion follows a successful delivery of programming. First in Ghana in 2022 then Kenya and Cape Town in 2023.
Activities will take place in Lagos, Nigeria with a 3-day football talent identification camp. As well as NFL FLAG activities June 14-18. Currently the NFL has 130 players of African descent born in Africa or first generation born in the U.S. Many of them will join talent identification camp events in Lagos. Including David Njoku of the Cleveland Browns, Bobby Okereke and Kayvon Thibodeaux of the New York Giants, Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seattle Seahawks and free agent Prince Tega Wanogho.
There will also be a first-of-its-kind women’s flag football workout, with U.S. scholarships available for top athletes — offering talented women in Africa pathways to the game. Participation in flag football is growing globally. It’s currently played by over 20 million people across 100 countries, with women and girls driving some of the sport’s fastest growth.
Osi Umenyiora Proud to Lead The NFL Africa Program
On a fun note, the Cleveland Browns have marketing rights in Nigeria as part of the Global Markets Program. So they will support the events in Lagos by providing lanyards, sunglasses and additional gear to prospects and youth flag football players.
Bringing talent into the NFL from around the world enhances the game by making sure the best players are on the field. And maybe foster some international goodwill while they’re at it.
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