Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has congratulated Nigerians and people of Nigerian descent on their exceptional achievements across global sports, music, and motorsport.
Dabiri-Erewa praised the Seattle Seahawks for their Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots, winning 29–13 to secure their second Lombardi Trophy, describing the victory as particularly significant for Nigeria because several players of Nigerian heritage played key roles throughout the season and during the championship run.
Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, born to Nigerian parents, was instrumental 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 and did not concede 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, added depth and versatility to the squad.
She also acknowledged Nigerian representation on the Patriots’ side, with offensive lineman Michael Onwenu starting all 17 games and anchoring their offensive line.
On global music arena, the NiDCOM Chairman 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, describing their success as a reflection of Nigerian creativity, resilience and global cultural influence of Nigerians in Diaspora.
While recognising the continued global impact of Nigerian-based artistes such as Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Wizkid, and others, Dabiri-Erewa stressed that the names, family histories, and ancestral origins of the Grammy winners remain unmistakably Nigerian, adding that their achievements are moments of collective pride for the nation.
The Chairman also congratulated Nigerian-American racing driver Ugo Ugochukwu, who emerged champion of the 2026 Formula Regional Oceania Championship after a dominant season in New Zealand.
The 18-year-old recorded four race wins and multiple podium finishes, finishing 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, will next compete in the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship with Campos Racing, beginning in March, describing his rise as another source of inspiration for young Nigerians worldwide.
Dabiri-Erewa called on the media, cultural institutions and Nigerians at home and abroad to embrace a broader and more inclusive definition of national pride, one that celebrates Nigerian excellence wherever it thrives, noting that recognising diaspora achievements strengthens national unity and enhances Nigeria’s global image.
