Nigerians and people of Nigerian descent were among the standout performers as the Seattle Seahawks emerged champions at the Super Bowl, capping a thrilling contest that also saw the New England Patriots finish as runners-up.
PUNCH Online reports that the two teams featured players of Nigerian heritage who featured prominently on American football’s biggest stage.
On the winning side, Seattle Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu was singled out for his contribution to the team’s success.
Other players of Nigerian descent who made their mark include Boye Mafe and Nick Emmanwori, key figures in the Seahawks’ defensive unit, as well as Olusegun “Olu” Oluwatimi, who played a central role on the offensive line.
Also, Michael Onwenu of the New England Patriots, whose display was described as instrumental to his team’s run to the final.
According to AFP, the Seattle Seahawks coasted to Super Bowl glory on Sunday, routing the New England Patriots 29-13 as Sam Darnold sealed his journey from flop quarterback to conqueror of the NFL’s biggest prize.
Brushing off a reputation for wilting in big games, journeyman quarterback Darnold threw for a touchdown and some 200 yards on the grandest stage of all to give the Seahawks their second-ever Lombardi Trophy.
The victory was buoyed by a dominant defensive display, and kicker Jason Myers’ five field goals — the most ever by one player in a Super Bowl.
But it was a night to forget for Darnold’s counterpart, Drake Maye, who was sacked six times and threw two interceptions, failing in his bid to become the youngest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl at 23.
An initially cagey game featured no touchdowns for either side in the first three quarters, with the Patriots stifled and the Seahawks largely playing it safe, relying on their kicker and Kenneth Walker.
Running back Walker managed 135 rushing yards across the night and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.
The contest sprang to life in the final quarter, with four touchdowns. Darnold’s 16-yard pass found tight end AJ Barner in the deep right corner of the endzone.
With the night threatening to turn into farce, a topless streaker evaded security efforts. The break in play briefly sparked New England to life.
Maye found Mack Hollins with a stunning 35-yard sling for a touchdown and the Patriots’ first points, narrowing the game to 19-7.
But it proved in vain. Soon after, Maye was strip-sacked, allowing linebacker Uchenna Nwosu to race into the end zone for a touchdown. Rhamondre Stevenson ran in a late consolation touchdown for New England.
It all meant Seattle avenged its loss to the Patriots in the Seahawks’ previous Super Bowl appearance, back in 2015.
For the Patriots, a franchise once so dominant they were dubbed the “Evil Empire,” it was a disappointing night to end a season in which they had been reborn under coach of the year Mike Vrabel.
The storied franchise could not secure a record seventh Super Bowl, and their first since the departure of Tom Brady.
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