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Check out the Nigerian representation taken in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The 2025 NFL Draft marked a historic moment for Nigerian representation in American football, with eight Nigerian-born players selected.
Their selections showcased the growing influence of the NFL International Pathway Program and Nigeria’s rich athletic talent pool.
This achievement underscores the success of initiatives like The Uprise, a Nigerian-based recruiting program launched by former NFL player Osi Umenyiora in 2020, aimed at identifying and developing football talent from Africa.
This comes after Nigerian born Moro Ojomo powered the Eagles to win the 2025 Super Bowl.
Nigerian Talent Shines in the 2025 NFL Draft
1 Elic Ayomanor – Selected by the Tennessee Titans
Elic Ayomanor, a wide receiver from Stanford, entered the NFL with a reputation for electrifying plays, Ayomanor became a prime target for the Tennessee Titans.
Paired with quarterback Cam Ward, Ayomanor is expected to bring a new dimension to the Titans’ passing game as they aim to climb the AFC South standings.
2 Tommy Akingbesote – Selected by the Dallas Cowboys
Tommy Akingbesote, a defensive lineman from Maryland, impressed scouts with his consistency and disruptive presence on the field
His quick first step, strength, and relentless motor made him an ideal fit for the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive front in the competitive NFC East.
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3 Chimere Dike – Selected by the Tennessee Titans
Chimere Dike, a wide receiver from the Florida Gators, was another Nigerian talent scooped up by the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans, aiming to build a formidable receiving corps, see Dike as a perfect complement to Ayomanor.
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4 Donovan Ezeiruaku – Selected by the Dallas Cowboys
Donovan Ezeiruaku, a defensive end from Boston College, joined his compatriot Akingbesote on the Dallas Cowboys’ roster.
Ezeiruaku’s college career was marked by his ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage, with a combination of speed and power that made him a nightmare for offensive tackles.
5 Princewill Umanmielen – Selected by the Carolina Panthers
Princewill Umanmielen, a linebacker from Ole Miss, was selected by the Carolina Panthers to bolster their defensive unit.
Umanmielen’s athleticism, instincts, and ability to cover tight ends and running backs in pass defense made him a valuable addition for a Panthers team looking to rebuild Under head coach Dave Canales.
6 Nick Emmanwori – Selected by the Seattle Seahawks
Nick Emmanwori, a safety from South Carolina, brought his hard-hitting style and ball-hawking skills to the Seattle Seahawks.
Known for his physicality and ability to read quarterbacks, Emmanwori racked up impressive tackle numbers and interceptions during his college career.
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7 Femi Oladejo – Selected by the Tennessee Titans
Femi Oladejo, a linebacker from UCLA, became the third Nigerian player selected by the Tennessee Titans in the 2025 draft.
The Titans, looking to solidify their linebacker corps, expect Oladejo to contribute immediately on defense and special teams.
8 Jalen Oluwaseun Milroe – Selected by the Seattle Seahawks
Jalen Oluwaseun Milroe, a quarterback from Alabama, was picked by the Seattle Seahawks, marking a significant moment for Nigerian representation at the quarterback position.
Milroe, known for his dual-threat capabilities with a strong arm and elite mobility, drew comparisons to quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts during the draft process.
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