Beyond Muscles & Brawn – Nigerian NFL Players Give Back

Posted on Friday, April 24th, 2009 at 10:10 pm

By Louisa Olubukola Kinoshi

nigerian-nfl-players-thisday-style

It’s impressive when our young people abroad decide to go back to Nigeria and give their time to create change, implement a groundbreaking community service initiative and not just to make money. I have been extremely proud of the high numbers of Nigerians abroad who have decided to enroll in NYSC this year even though this could have been spurred by the recession.

Last month, the Athletes in the Diaspora: Community Interventions (ADCI)  had 5 U.S based athletes of Nigerian descents on an 8-day community outreach trip which included an American football camp and a soccer program for about 200 kids. The athletes were joined by Nigerian entertainment superstars including Sauce Kid and Ikechukwu. The athletes gave out over $20,000 in scholarships and were presented with an award by Atlantic Hall as part of the school’s 20th anniversary. A-Hall alum, Naeto C was also recognized. Invictus 91, the group who founded ADCI is considering launching an Academy of Learning and Sports.

About the Athletes

Osi and Selita

Ositadinma “Osi” Umeniyora was born in Golders Green, London before his family moved to Nigeria. The New York Giant played football in high school in Auburn, Alabama. Osi is curently dating Victoria Secret model, Selita Ebanks.

200px-amobi_okoye

Amobi Okoye was the youngest player in the NCAA when at age 15 he chose the University of Louisville over Harvard. Okoye currently plays for the Houston Texans.

nnamdi-asomugha1Nnamdi Asomugha is a cornerback for the Oakland Raiders. Named the team’s Most Valuable Player in 2006, Nnamdi is the highest paid defensive back in NFL history.

chinedum1Chinedum “Nedu” Ndukwe grew up in Dublin, Ohio before he left to play for the University of Notre Dame. Currently a safety for the Cincinnati Bengals, his older brother also plays for the Miami Dolphins.

xavier1Xavier Oyekola Adibi is a linebacker for the Houston Texans. Also from a family of athletes, Xavier’s dad Abiodun Adibi was a college soccer player at Oklahoma State.

tommie1Tommie Harris was born in Texas and played college football at Oklahoma, Tommie now plays for the Chicago Bears as one of the richest defensive tackles in the NFL.

Kasia Muoto was a former Nigerian female soccer player who currently runs a nonprofit that uses sports to reach underprivileged communities with the goal of inspiring faith and hope (www.weplaytowin.org)

Note: This article was updated on April 26, 2009.

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31 Comments in 22 threads.»

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Comment by Bronnamdi
2010-02-08 10:41:09

I feel good and happy that Nigerians are showing their stuff in the US. We are not all crooks. We are big strong handsome beautiful rich and love ourselves.

Thanks guys for finding the time to give back to fellow Nigerians. The amount you donated is not the issue. The time you spent here and the impact your visit will have on the young people you met is worth much more than money can buy.

Please, do visit again, soon.

 
Comment by jojo
2009-05-06 04:28:04

look gir pls as i said we do not give a damn about the people this fellas are going ou with cici, should that be our concern we just want to know how they are impacting others through their famous status.

 
Comment by Bri-Get
2009-05-04 17:33:05

Xavier and Nnamdi look soooo delicious!

 
Comment by Cici
2009-05-02 23:42:09

There’s nothing wrong in her saying who he’s dating. C’mon now, i know for a fact that all of them put together can give more than $20,000. I will give them benefit of a doubt, maybe they did not want to give a lot, because it’s hard to know if the money is really going to the children or something else. Osi, is one sexy fella, wale is handsome too.

 
Comment by jojo
2009-04-30 05:03:45

IN AS MUCH AS I LOVE WHAT THIS GUYS ARE DOING DO YOU HAVE TO TELL US WHO THEY ARE DATING TO PROOF WHAT! RATHER LOOK AT THEM GIVING BACK TO THE COMMNUNITY.

 
Comment by jennie
2009-04-29 19:34:41

I am proud to be a Nigerian……

 
Comment by mj
2009-04-28 11:06:53

meanwhile…local celebrities in nigeria are doing what? oh thats right. giving back by creating reality shows where women will fight over them

Comment by jenni
2009-05-11 15:07:29

so true they should be ashamed they aint even givin back to thier community people from other countries have to come here and help…..what a shame

 
 
Comment by nne
2009-04-28 10:00:22

So all these athletes with their multimillion dollar deals could afford to give back was 20,000 dollars together…Damn Shame!

Comment by Fatima
2009-04-29 11:10:14

What of the ones that are not giving anything at all?

 
Comment by Zenna
2009-04-29 13:58:36

nigeria you must be careful with ur money…but $20,000=N2.8M thats pure water money

Comment by PoisonIVY
2009-04-29 19:44:19

REALLY?????

 
 
Comment by Me
2009-04-29 20:40:53

Oh Shut up! and you’ve given back what?

Comment by Zenna
2009-05-02 01:37:22

alot actually!!! between 5 mutimillion dollar guys people give alot more than that and dont make so much noise…its just very american or newage you give a penny and make noise about it.

 
 
 
Comment by 9ja'sOT
2009-04-28 09:30:23

this is the kind of place you are suppose to find Okocha, but no he his running around harrasing old legends over a cell phone. nonsense and ingridients

Comment by Jay
2009-04-29 17:18:47

You read ma mind…lol

 
 
Comment by Damy Subscribed to comments via email
2009-04-28 08:38:15

chei! see fine naija boys doing it big…. i fit change my marry after grad skool plan 4 them.

 
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