Nnamdi Asomugha's Nigerian Roots, Brotherhood, and Explosiveness

Sometimes you wonder if all of the events in your life will eventually connect and become relevant to the here and now.

Well, I just discovered that when I traveled to Nigeria three times, that this gives me first-hand knowledge on the culture and characteristics of some of my Nigerian students, and, of course, the Nigerians in the NFL, especially the ones on the Oakland Raiders roster.

Yes, I had the privilege of traveling with a presidential entourage, and my copy of the program is pictured in the article's photo.

My research reveals that there is a brotherhood among the NFL players who have Nigerian heritage. It describes a characteristic of Nigerians. The word is "explosive."

Well, I know that adjective and it described the professional journalist who invited me to visit Nigeria in three very dignified settings. His name was Prince Jubril Adelagun, and he passed away in Nov. 2008.

Jubril loved sports, and he enjoyed soccer and American football. At the time we were collaborating on several communications projects, there were not many Nigerians in the NFL.

My research indicates that Chrisitan Okoye is the first NFL player of Nigerian descent, who has played with the Kansas City Chiefs, from 1987 to 1992.

Prince Jubril was the owner of a Nigerian newspaper, The Houston Punch , and he wrote explosive editorials about the advantages of Nigeria becoming a democracy. Once the democratic election was won, Nigeria began its nascent democracy.

Its transition toward becoming a place where more opportunities rippled down to the everyday, ordinary citizens, seems to be unfolding and the advocate bid us farewell. He passed away in Nov. 2008.

So, now as I look at the data I see that more Nigerians are taking hold of opportunities to play professional football, and to enjoy the amenities that surround a career in the NFL.

The Oakland Raiders have at least two players of Nigeria descent: Nnamdi Asomugha and Isaiah Ekejiuba. Ekejiuba played in 12 games in 2009, while Asomugha played in 14 games with 29 tackles in 2009.

Asomugha is 28 years old, and his number is 21.

That same "brotherhood" I read about in the community of NFL players of Nigerian descent needs to spread among the Oakland Raiders. A dose of the "explosiveness" that I read about (and witnessed when I attended Nigeria discussions and forums in Houston, Texas, and in Lagos, Abeokuta, and Abuja, Nigeria) needs to season the attitudes of the Oakland Raiders.

Other NFL players with Nigeria heritage are:

1. Osi Umenyiora, started in 2003

2. Brian Orakpo, started in 2009

3. Amobi Okoye, started in 2007

4. Victor Abiamiri, starteed in 2007

5. Israel Idonije, started in 2004

6. Adewale Ogunleye, started in 2001

7. Christian Okoye, started in 1987 with the Kansas City Chiefs

If you have discovered more, please add to the list.

Since most people give Al Davis credit for drafting certain types of NFL players, it looks like Mr. Davis has tried to add people who have a traditional love for brotherhood and strength in character or explosiveness.

All that is needed now is for these attributes to spread among the players in the Raiders franchise, and give us more "explosive" victories in 2010.

Come on, Asomugha and Ekejiuba, do your thing!