Okoye brings American football to Nigerian youths
By Femi Atoyebi, Published: Saturday, 27 Mar 2010


The Amobi Okoye Foundation is working in partnership with the Lagos State Government to ensure that Nigerian youths play active role in the development of American football in Africa.

Already, the star of Houston Texans, who became the youngest player ever drafted to star in the NFL at the age of 19, has been to Nigeria three times, organizing coaching clinic for children in Lagos, Anambra, Delta and Abuja. Apart from the clinic, the 23-year-old came home with 19 medical doctors who offered free medical services to the people. He was in Nigeria with a teammate, Frank Okam.

Okoye is tackling hunger among the youths, bringing education to the less privileged and providing homes for kids in the rural areas.

According to Dudu Orumen, the Lagos State American Football Association chairman, there were 44 Nigerians playing in the American league already.

”I am sure that the game will be a success in Nigeria, given the strength of our youths and their enthusiasm to learn new things.

”We have had great Nigerians who did well in America like Akeem Olajuwon, there are more Nigerians with great strength and skill and what this foundation is doing is to look for such players and give them an opportunity to do something new in life.”

Amobi‘s father, Austin was happy that Delta State responded positively by donating a land for the Okoye foundation near Koko town to build a training ground, calling on more states to show commitment to the development of the youths.

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