By Mercy Peter
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), boss Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated Nigerian descent for their outstanding achievements at the 2026 Super Bowl, Grammy Awards and Formula Regional Oceania Championship.
Dabiri-Erewa described the milestones as compelling proof of Nigerian excellence on the global stage.
In a statement issued on February 11, 2026, Dabiri-Erewa said the string of successes across sports, music and motorsport once again demonstrated the immense talent, resilience and global influence of Nigerians in the diaspora, whose contributions continue to project the country positively worldwide.
She particularly hailed the Seattle Seahawks for their emphatic 29–13 victory over the New England Patriots to lift their second Lombardi Trophy, noting the strong Nigerian presence within the squad.
Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, born to Nigerian parents, delivered a commanding season with over 100 tackles and seven sacks, while Boye Mafe recorded five sacks and multiple tackles for loss, setting a club record for consecutive games with a sack.
Rookie safety Nick Emmanwori stood out with 81 tackles, 11 pass breakups and an interception, as centre Olusegun “Olu” Oluwatimi anchored the offensive line without conceding a sack in his starts. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, of Nigerian and Sierra Leonean heritage, led the league in receiving yards with 10 touchdowns to earn Offensive Player of the Year honours, while Jalen Milroe provided depth at quarterback.
She also acknowledged Patriots’ offensive lineman Michael Onwenu for starting all 17 games and anchoring his team’s line.
The NiDCOM boss also celebrated the Grammy victories of Shaboozey (Collins Obinna Chibueze), Tyler, the Creator (Tyler Gregory Okonma), and Cynthia Erivo (Cynthia Chinasaokwu Onyedinmanazu Amarachukwu Owezuke Echimino Erivo), describing their historic wins as a powerful reflection of Nigerian creativity and cultural influence.
She equally applauded Nigerian-American racing driver Ugo Ugochukwu for clinching the 2026 Formula Regional Oceania Championship after a dominant campaign in New Zealand, finishing 15 points clear of his closest rival.
Dabiri-Erewa noted that Ugochukwu, who will compete in the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship with Campos Racing, is another shining example of Nigerian heritage excelling internationally.
She urged Nigerians, the media and cultural institutions to adopt a broader definition of national pride that celebrates diaspora achievements as part of Nigeria’s collective success.
She also said “We are immensely proud of these outstanding Nigerians and those of Nigerian descent who continue to break barriers and set global standards of excellence across diverse fields,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
“Their victories at the Super Bowl, the Grammys, and the Formula Championship are not isolated achievements; they are powerful statements of what Nigerians can accomplish anywhere in the world.
“From the football field to the global music stage and the racetrack, the Nigerian spirit of resilience, creativity and determination is clearly evident.
“As a nation, we must embrace and celebrate our diaspora community. Their successes strengthen our national unity and further elevate Nigeria’s image on the world stage.”she concluded.
