By Fatima Saka
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 at the Super Bowl, the 2026 Grammy Awards, and the Formula Regional Oceania Championship, describing the milestones as compelling evidence of Nigerian excellence on the global stage.
In a statement e-signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols at NiDCOM, Dabiri-Erewa praised the Seattle Seahawks for their 29–13 Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots, securing their second Lombardi Trophy.
She highlighted the significant contributions of players of Nigerian heritage throughout the season and during the championship run. Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, born to Nigerian parents, was credited with strengthening Seattle’s defence, recording over 100 tackles and seven sacks. Boye Mafe, also of Nigerian descent, delivered an impressive performance with five sacks and multiple tackles for loss, setting a club record for consecutive games with a sack.
Rookie safety Nick Emmanwori made an impact 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 sack in his starts. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who has Nigerian and Sierra Leonean roots, led the league in receiving yards and scored 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 played a key role in anchoring their line.
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 international impact of Nigeria-based artistes such as Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Wizkid, and others, Dabiri-Erewa stressed that the Grammy winners’ names, family histories, and ancestral roots remain unmistakably Nigerian.
“These achievements are moments of collective pride for our nation,” she said, adding that diaspora success stories reinforce Nigeria’s cultural strength and global relevance.
In motorsport, Dabiri-Erewa 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 ahead of his closest rival despite technical setbacks in the final weekend.
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.
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Dabiri-Erewa described his rise as another source of inspiration for young Nigerians across the world and called on the media, cultural institutions, and Nigerians at home and abroad to adopt a broader and more inclusive definition of national pride.
According to her, celebrating the accomplishments of Nigerians in the diaspora not only strengthens national unity but also enhances Nigeria’s image and influence on the global stage.
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