By Nkechi Eze
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has congratulated Nigerians and people of Nigerian descent on their exceptional achievements across global sports, music and motorsport, describing the milestones as compelling evidence of Nigerian excellence on the world stage.
In an official signed statement, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols of NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, disclosed that Dabiri-Erewa commended the Seattle Seahawks for their emphatic 29–13 Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots to secure their second Lombardi Trophy, noting that the triumph resonated deeply with Nigeria given the strong representation of players of Nigerian heritage in the championship-winning squad.
She highlighted the contributions of linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, born to Nigerian parents, who was pivotal to Seattle’s defensive solidity, amassing over 100 tackles and seven sacks during the season. Boye Mafe, also of Nigerian descent, continued his remarkable rise with five sacks and multiple tackles for loss, setting a club record for consecutive games with a sack. Rookie safety Nick Emmanwori stood out in his debut season with 81 tackles, 11 pass breakups and an interception, while centre Olusegun “Olu” Oluwatimi anchored the offensive line without conceding a single sack in his starts.
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who has Nigerian and Sierra Leonean roots, delivered a historic campaign, leading the league in receiving yards and scoring 10 touchdowns to earn Offensive Player of the Year honours. Backup quarterback Jalen Milroe, also of Nigerian heritage, provided vital depth and versatility to the squad throughout the season.
Dabiri-Erewa also acknowledged Nigerian presence on the Patriots’ side, noting that offensive lineman Michael Onwenu started all 17 games and played a key role in anchoring New England’s offensive line.
Beyond American football, the NiDCOM Chairman celebrated the historic victories of Shaboozey (Collins Obinna Chibueze), Tyler, the Creator (Tyler Gregory Okonma), and Cynthia Erivo (Cynthia Chinasaokwu Onyedinmanazu Amarachukwu Owezuke Echimino Erivo) at the 2026 Grammy Awards. She described their wins as a powerful reflection of the creativity, resilience and global cultural influence of Nigerians in the diaspora.
While recognising the continued global impact of Nigerian-based artistes such as Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Wizkid and others, Dabiri-Erewa stressed that the names, family histories and ancestral origins of the Grammy winners remain unmistakably Nigerian, adding that their accomplishments are moments of collective pride for the nation.
In the world of motorsport, she congratulated Nigerian-American racing driver Ugo Ugochukwu, who emerged champion of the 2026 Formula Regional Oceania Championship after a dominant season in New Zealand. The 18-year-old recorded four race wins and multiple podium finishes, finishing 15 points clear of his closest rival and overcoming technical setbacks during the final weekend to clinch the title.
Born in New York to Nigerian supermodel Oluchi Onweagba and Italian fashion designer Luca Orlandi, Ugochukwu is set to compete in the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship with Campos Racing beginning in March. Dabiri-Erewa described his meteoric rise as yet another source of inspiration for young Nigerians across the globe.
She called on the media, cultural institutions, and Nigerians both at home and abroad to embrace a broader and more inclusive understanding of national pride, one that celebrates Nigerian excellence wherever it thrives. According to her, recognising and amplifying diaspora achievements not only strengthens national unity but also enhances Nigeria’s image and influence on the global stage.
