NiDCOM Chairman Congratulates Nigerian Heritage Stars on Historic Global Victories

NiDCOM Boss Congratulates Nigerians on Super Bowl, Grammy and Formula Championship Triumphs
The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated Nigerians and people of Nigerian descent for their outstanding achievements across global sports, music, and motorsport.
In a statement issued in Abuja on February 11, 2026, Dabiri-Erewa described the milestones as compelling evidence of Nigerian excellence and global impact.
She praised the Seattle Seahawks for their 29–13 victory over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, securing their second Lombardi Trophy. She noted that the triumph held special significance for Nigeria, as several players of Nigerian heritage made notable contributions throughout the season and during the championship run.
Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, born to Nigerian parents, played a key defensive role, recording over 100 tackles and seven sacks. Boye Mafe also delivered an impressive performance, registering five sacks and multiple tackles for loss, including 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 one interception. Centre Olusegun “Olu” Oluwatimi anchored the offensive line, not conceding a single sack in his starts. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, of Nigerian and Sierra Leonean heritage, led the league in receiving yards, scored 10 touchdowns, and earned Offensive Player of the Year honours. Backup quarterback Jalen Milroe, also of Nigerian descent, provided valuable depth to the squad.
She also acknowledged Nigerian representation on the Patriots’ side, with offensive lineman Michael Onwenu starting all 17 games and playing a crucial role on the team’s offensive line.
Beyond American football, Dabiri-Erewa congratulated Shaboozey (Collins Obinna Chibueze), Tyler, the Creator (Tyler Gregory Okonma), and Cynthia Erivo (Cynthia Chinasaokwu Onyedinmanazu Amarachukwu Owezuke Echimino Erivo) on their historic victories at the 2026 Grammy Awards. She described their achievements as a powerful reflection of the creativity, resilience, and global cultural influence of Nigerians in the diaspora.
While recognising the continued international success of Nigerian-based artistes such as Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid, she stressed that the Grammy winners’ Nigerian names, heritage, and ancestral roots remain sources of collective pride for the nation.
The NiDCOM Chairman also congratulated Nigerian-American racing driver Ugo Ugochukwu on winning the 2026 Formula Regional Oceania Championship in New Zealand. The 18-year-old secured four race wins and multiple podium finishes, finishing 15 points ahead of his closest rival despite technical challenges during the final weekend.
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 rise as another inspiration for young Nigerians at home and abroad.
She called on the media, cultural institutions, and Nigerians worldwide to embrace a broader and more inclusive understanding of national pride — one that celebrates Nigerian excellence wherever it thrives — noting that recognising diaspora achievements strengthens unity and enhances Nigeria’s global image.