The NFL has become more and more international each year, with players coming from all around the world. But it isn’t just players flooding to America that has made headlines. no, the Land of the Free is also bringing its favorite sport to countries all over the world. this year, we have seen five games hosted overseas, with the Jacksonville Jaguars playing two of their games in London, as well as the Baltimore Ravens and the Tennessee Titans squaring off in the Big Smoke.
As well as that two AFC heavyweights in the form of Tua Tagovailoa’s Miami Dolphins and Patrick Mahomes’ reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs battled it out in Germany, as will the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts on November 12th. With the continued expansion of the NFL, it won’t be surprising to see teams located outside of the United States on a permanent basis in years to come. That day has not yet come however, players from overseas are still flocking Stateside in their droves to test their mettle against the very best football players in the world.
Africa is no different and the giant continent has sent plenty of talent to American shores over the years. Here are some of the best of them.
Christian Okoye
Nicknamed the “Nigerian Nightmare,” Christian Okoye was a force to be reckoned with on the field. Born in Nigeria, he went on to play for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1987 to 1992. At 6’1″ and over 250 pounds, Okoye was a hard-running back who would bulldoze through defenders like they were made of paper. He earned two Pro Bowl nods and is still considered one of the best running backs in Chiefs’ history.
Ndamukong Suh
Next on our list is the one and only Ndamukong Suh. The giant Cameroonian became one of the most fearsome defensive tackles in the NFL and played for a number of illustrious teams such as the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, and Los Angeles Rams. His talent has seen him secure plenty of accolades over the years including five Pro Bowls and three First-Team All-Pro selections. As well as that, he has consistently been among the league leaders in sacks and tackles for losses.
Barkevious Mingo
Another Cameroonian-born linebacker who played at the highest level is Barkevious Mingo. The former LSU star was drafted as the sixth overall pick in the 2013 Draft by the Cleveland Browns however, he was unable to transform the fortunes of the franchise, and the Ohio outfit still only has four postseason appearances since 1990. He moved on to the New England Patriots in 2016 where he would become a Super Bowl Champion at Super Bowl Li however he couldn’t find a home in Boston either. Since then, he has featured for the likes of the Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears, and Finally the Atlanta Falcons, before falling out of the league entirely in 2021.
Next, we have the one and only Efe Obada, a Nigerian-born defensive end who signed with the Carolina Panthers in 2017 and now features for the Washington Commanders, a team that the football betting odds providers have been made +20000 outsiders for the Lombardi this term. He was once homeless and was even trafficked to the UK from the Netherlands at the age of 10. Still, he didn’t let his difficult past affect his passion for football.
The 31-year-old made his debut in 2018, becoming the first player to make the roster via the NFL’s International Pathway Program, which offers overseas players the opportunity to play professionally in the big leagues. Since then, the 6’6″ defensive end has become a fan favorite for his incredible play and inspiring story.
Christian Scotland-Williamson
Also on our list, we have Efe’s fellow Nigerian-born compatriot, Christian Scotland-Williamson. Scotland-Williamson was a professional rugby player before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad in 2018. His impressive size and strength make him a natural fit for the tight-end position, however, he was unable to replicate the success he had with the Worcester Warriors on the other side of the pond and was cut by the Steelers shortly after his tryout.
Ziggy Ansah
Born in Ghana, Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah is a defensive end who has played for the Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, and the San Francisco 49ers. Ansah is known for his pass-rushing ability, and he’s racked up numerous sacks and forced fumbles throughout his career. He earned his only Pro Bowl nod with the Detroit Lions in 2015.
Born in Ghana and a former BYU standout, Ansah was drafted fifth overall by the Lions in the 2013 NFL draft. With a 6’5″ frame and incredible athleticism, he was an integral part of the Lions’ defensive line.
Tamba Hali
Next up, we have Tamba Hali, born in Liberia, who played as a linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2006 to 2018. Hali was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and even finished in the top 100 in sacks in NFL history. His contributions to the Chiefs cannot be overstated, and he will forever be remembered as one of the all-time greats.
Jermaine Eluemunor
Finally, we have Jermaine Eluemunor, a Nigerian-born offensive lineman who played collegiately at Texas A&M. The New England Patriots drafted him in the fifth round of the 2017 draft, but he spent his first two years with the Baltimore Ravens.
