From the gridiron to the Villa, President Tinubu celebrates the Nigerian diaspora as the Seattle Seahawks’ victory becomes a national moment of pride.

In the early hours of Monday morning, as confetti rained down on Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, a different kind of celebration was erupting thousands of miles away in Lagos and Abuja. The Seattle Seahawks’ decisive 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60 wasnt just an American sporting event; it was a showcase of Nigerian excellence. President Bola Tinubu has wasted no time in claiming the victory for the nation, issuing a glowing tribute to the "sons of the soil" who dominated the world’s biggest stage.

The Green-White-Green Legion

The Seahawks roster reads like a roll call of Nigerian heritage. Leading the pack was quarterback Jalen Oluwaseun Milroe, whose poise under pressure anchored the offense. On the defensive side, Nick Emmanwori and Uchenna Nwosu were wrecking balls, dismantling the Patriots attack with a ferocity that earned them specific praise from the State House. Joining them were linebacker Boye Maye and offensive lineman Olu Oluwatimi, forming a core of talent that proved instrumental in securing the Lombardi Trophy.

"They have brought pride and honor to their country of descent," Tinubu stated through his Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga. "Their success confirms what we have always known: Nigerian talent is global, dominant, and undeniable."

• Grace in Defeat: The President also extended a hand of recognition to Michael Onwenu of the New England Patriots. despite being on the losing side, Onwenu was described as "one of the most dominant players in his position," a testament to the fact that on that field, Nigerian talent was winning regardless of the score.
• The Flag Bearers: The image of Emmanwori and Nwosu draping themselves in the Nigerian flag post-game has gone viral across West Africa, symbolizing a deep connection that transcends borders and citizenship.

A Soft Power Touchdown

For the Tinubu administration, this is more than sports; it is soft power. In a year where the domestic news has been dominated by economic challenges, the Super Bowl triumph offers a unifying narrative of resilience and success. It serves as a potent reminder to the millions of young Nigerians watching: your name can ring out in the biggest stadiums on earth, and your President will be watching.