The Seattle Seahawks captured the second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history with a commanding 29–13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium, but beyond the dominant performance on the field, the triumph carried deep cultural significance.
For the first time in Super Bowl history, six players of Nigerian heritage were part of a championship-winning roster, underlining the growing influence of the Nigerian diaspora in the NFL.
Seattle’s defense, nicknamed the “Dark Side,” delivered a throwback performance reminiscent of the Legion of Boom era. The unit sacked Patriots quarterback Drake Maye six times, forced three turnovers, and shut out New England through the first three quarters of the game.
Offensively, Kenneth Walker III powered the Seahawks to victory and earned Super Bowl MVP honors after rushing for 135 yards on 27 carries, including explosive runs of 30 and 29 yards that consistently broke the Patriots’ resistance. Quarterback Sam Darnold played an efficient, mistake-free game, finishing with 188 passing yards as Seattle controlled possession for over 35 minutes.
Nigerian Roots at the Heart of the Victory
Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, born to Nigerian parents, produced the defining moment of the contest. Early in the fourth quarter, Nwosu intercepted a pressured pass from Maye and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown, extending Seattle’s lead to 29–7 and effectively sealing the championship.
Fellow linebacker Boye Mafe, also of Nigerian descent, was a constant disruptor, using his speed and athleticism to help stifle the Patriots’ run game and contribute to the six-sack defensive onslaught that limited New England to just 218 total yards.
In the secondary, safety Nick Emmanwori delivered a composed performance, helping to keep the Patriots under 150 passing yards until late in the game.
On offense, center Olusegun “Olu” Oluwatimi anchored the Seahawks’ offensive line, opening lanes for Walker and providing steady protection throughout the night.
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who has Nigerian heritage alongside Sierra Leonean roots, made several key receptions to sustain drives and maintain Seattle’s rhythm.
Backup quarterback Jalen Milroe, also of Nigerian descent, did not feature on the field but played an important leadership role from the sidelines during the postseason run.
A Moment Bigger Than Football
The victory sparked celebrations well beyond Seattle. Across Nigeria and the global diaspora, fans hailed the achievement as a landmark moment for representation in American sports. Nigerian media outlets and sports platforms highlighted the historic nature of six Nigerian-rooted players lifting the Lombardi Trophy together.
Head coach Mike Macdonald praised the squad’s diversity after the game, saying:
“This team is a family from all walks of life, and these guys bring that fire every single day.”
As fireworks lit up the night sky and the Seahawks celebrated redemption 11 years after their Super Bowl XLIX heartbreak, one message resonated loudly from Lagos to London and across the 12s worldwide:
Naija no dey carry last.
