Nigerian-Born American Footballers: Their Impression, Expectation On Nigeria

[Wolf]

really didn't know where to put this

Amobi Okoye, 21, is a Defensive Tackle for the Houston Texans in the American NFL.

HE said: "I think we Nigerians have a certain character that is peculiar to us. It is in me even though I now live in America. My expectation for my country is that it is going to change for the better and my fellow country men would go along with the change.

When out there in those gears and facing other people from different nations, what is on your mind?

Whenever I get out there on the pitch to face whosoever are my opponents, the first thing that comes to my mind is to dominate whosoever I am facing. Initially, I used to think of my family and that I was going to do my best to please them for the upbringing they gave me. But now, I feel that God gave me that opportunity and the skill to play American Football because He has a mission for me. And the mission is using my little resources to touch the lives of the less-privileged people in my country. If I can train over 50 under-privileged children, that would be my joy.

After American football, what next?

Oh yes, my long desired goal was to be a doctor, a psychopathist! That was my first love and I can tell you that after American Football career, I am going to go back to school, to fulfill my desire, which was to be a children's psychopathist. Right now, I may not have a degree for that field, but I am definitely going to get one to fulfill my aspiration.

Does one need to be huge to play American football?

I used to think along that line (laughs). But that is not the case. All you need to have is a big heart to be able to go out there and tackle those other guys and try to win the ball. That is it! But to be huge is an added advantage in American professional football.

What do you think of Obama? Could he become the next American President?

I think Obama is a nice guy. The young American generation likes him. He is the right choice, as a candidate for the presidential race for the Democrats and so is Hilary Clinton. Any of them that wins the nomination would give the Republican candidate a good fight.

http://www.guardiannewsngr.com/sport...=Nigerian-Born

[281]

psychopathist, lol

[Maddict5]

must spread the rep but your ability to find obscure texans related articles always impresses me, wolf

[Wolf]

wanted to add and I didn't realize this

http://www.jamati.com/online/sports/...-xavier-adibi/

Born Xavier Oyekola Adibi, he is the son of Hampton University college professor, Abiodun, and Leanne Adibi. His brother, Nathaniel Adibi, played for the Hokies too as a defensive end. His father played soccer at Oklahoma State, so athleticism is definitely in the genes. To read more about him visit the NFL draft website.

http://www.jamati.com/online/sports/...ch-frank-okam/

Franklin Nonyelu Okam is a Nigerian who was a member of the Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award, and the Outland Trophy watch lists in 2007. A three-time All-Big 12 Conference selection, he is a strong run defender who has helped his team, the Longhorns, rank sixth in rush defense and finish third nationally.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/art..._africans.html

[ItsAMarioParty]

Two Nigerian badasses next to each other on the d line?

this has some huge naming potential

[Dallas_Texan]

So we have:

Amobi Okoye
Adibi
Okam
Chucky (Center)
Gado (Had)

That's a lot of Nigerians on one team! I feel like I'm forgetting one too.

[HOU-TEX]

Originally Posted by Dallas_Texan

So we have:

Amobi Okoye
Adibi
Okam
Chucky (Center)
Gado (Had)

That's a lot of Nigerians on one team! I feel like I'm forgetting one too.

ND Kalu

[DocBar]

Isn't ND Kalu Nigerian, also?

[Wolf]

yes ND Kalu is too

sometime during the game might have
Kalu,okam,amobi and williams on the line

or the urban slang of WOAW!

WOAW-Exlaimation included in situations that require the showing of complete dominating.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Woaw

the WOAW line
Weaver
Okam
Amobi
Williams




don't think that will catch on though

[mexican_texan]

Originally Posted by Wolf

yes ND Kalu is too

sometime during the game might have
Kalu,okam,amobi and williams on the line

or the urban slang of WOAW!

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Woaw

the WOAW line
Weaver
Okam
Amobi
Williams




don't think that will catch on though

It would catch on if Weaver was at all relevant.

[Wolf]

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbc...90381/-1/rss02

The trip home to Nigeria had been planned for months, every detail considered to prevent a hitch in their good intentions. On the first day of their charity mission, four NFL players riding a bus on the way to meet Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua, were — bang! — broadsided by a truck.

"It was really scary," Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora said.

For a moment, the players-turned-ambassadors could be forgiven for thinking they might have been better off staying home and sending a check.

No one was injured, although the accident derailed the meeting with the president. The rest of trip went smoothly and the only other jolts were the emotional kind. College scholarships were established at 10 Nigerian universities. HIV testing kits were distributed to clinics. Water wells were dug in a village that had none. A popular youth soccer team was outfitted. Connections were made. Ideas were formed.

The axiom is that charity starts at home, and that is what drew the players — Umenyiora, Houston Texans defensive tackle Amobi Okoye, and Chicago Bears defensive linemen Adewale Ogunleye and Israel Idonije — to Nigeria in March.

[Wolf]

Don't discount the decision-making ability of 15-year-olds, though. Amobi Okoye didn't just sign with the University of Louisville at that age. He showed up on campus to play football.

Yesterday Okoye, a native of Nigeria now with the Houston Texans, was one of four NFL players from Africa profiled in The New York Times for returning to that continent on a humanitarian trip.

In March, the group went to Nigeria to fund scholarships at 10 universities, give HIV testing kits to clinics, dig water wells and outfit a youth soccer team.

It was Okoye who organized the trip, and family members of his helped arrange many of the stops in the country. At just 20, Okoye looks destined for great things.

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/...=2008805090531