Dolphins defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah believes a work ethic demonstrated by his father Richard played an important part in establishing the mindset it took to become an NFL standout.
“Coming from Nigeria, he started from the bottom,” Ogbah says. “I want to be just like him.”
Richard moved Emmanuel and family from Africa to the United States when the son was 9 years old. And Ogbah took advantage of the opportunity to earn an American football scholarship and make it to the pros.
Now Ogbah is returning Africa, invited by the NFL to help grow the game on another continent.
Ogbah posted a photo on Instagram late Sunday as he was on a plane to Kenya for a camp in Nairobi that will spans Monday through Saturday.
“Growing the NFL globally is a major strategic priority for the League and developing our footprint and fandom in Africa is an important part of this vision,” said Brett Gosper, Head of NFL Europe & Africa.
Ogbah was invited by former New York Giants standout Osi Umenyiora, a two-time Super Bowl champion who was born in the UK to Nigerian parents.
What will the players do in Africa?
Well, there is a talent identification camp and an NFL Flag football showcase. There is also a series of training clinics for local teachers and the Kenyan Federation of American Football to help develop coaching skills to deliver NFL Flag football and expand participation across the country.
The NFL has recently held scouting events for 200 athletes in six African countries.
Other NFL players scheduled to participate: Brian Asamoah, Minnesota Vikings (Ghana), Arnold Ebiketie, Atlanta Falcons (Cameroon), Paulson Adebo, New Orleans Saints (Benin) and Ikem Ekwonu, Carolina Panthers (Nigeria).
Ogbah has explained that his father once drove 1-2 hours to work on pipelines and also worked as a prison correctional officer. He’s said his Dad always wanted to provide the best opportunities for his family.
Ogbah’s participation in this NFL Africa program could open doors for a youngster like him one day.
“I can’t take anything for granted,” Emmanuel said of his approach. “Seeing my Dad’s motivation gave me the drive to be the best me I could be.”
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post . You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram and Twitter @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter . Help support our work by subscribing today.
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