The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated Nigerians and people of Nigerian descent on their outstanding achievements across global sports, music and motorsport, describing the milestones as further proof of Nigerian excellence on the world stage.
In a statement signed by the Commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa lauded the Seattle Seahawks for their 29–13 Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots, securing their second Lombardi Trophy. She noted that the triumph holds special significance for Nigeria, given the remarkable contributions of players of Nigerian heritage throughout the season and during the championship run.
Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, born to Nigerian parents, played a pivotal role in Seattle’s defensive strength, recording over 100 tackles and seven sacks in the season. Boye Mafe, also of Nigerian descent, continued his impressive rise with five sacks and multiple tackles for loss, setting a club record for consecutive games with a sack. Rookie safety Nick Emmanwori impressed in his debut season with 81 tackles, 11 pass breakups and one 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, led the league in receiving yards and recorded 10 touchdowns, earning Offensive Player of the Year honours. Backup quarterback Jalen Milroe, also of Nigerian heritage, provided depth and versatility to the squad.
Dabiri-Erewa also acknowledged Nigerian representation on the Patriots’ side, noting that offensive lineman Michael Onwenu started all 17 games and anchored their offensive line throughout the season.
Beyond American football, the NiDCOM boss congratulated Shaboozey (Collins Obinna Chibueze), Tyler, the Creator (Tyler Gregory Okonma), and Cynthia Erivo (Cynthia Chinasaokwu Onyedinmanazu Amarachukwu Owezuke Echimino Erivo) on their historic wins at the 2026 Grammy Awards. She described their success 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 and Wizkid, Dabiri-Erewa stressed that the names, family histories and ancestral roots of the Grammy winners remain unmistakably Nigerian, added that their accomplishments are moments of collective pride for the nation.
The Chairman further congratulated Nigerian-American racing driver Ugo Ugochukwu on emerging champion of the 2026 Formula Regional Oceania Championship after a dominant season in New Zealand. The 18-year-old secured four race wins and multiple podium finishes, ending the season 15 points clear of his closest rival and overcoming technical setbacks during the final weekend to clinch the title.
She noted that Ugochukwu, born in New York to Nigerian supermodel Oluchi Onweagba and Italian fashion designer Luca Orlandi, is set to compete in the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship with Campos Racing beginning in March, describing his rise as yet another source of inspiration for young Nigerians worldwide.
Dabiri-Erewa called on the media, cultural institutions and Nigerians at home and abroad to adopt a broader and more inclusive definition of national pride, one that celebrates Nigerian excellence wherever it thrives, noted that recognising diaspora achievements strengthens national unity and enhances Nigeria’s global image.
