Sports247 delved into the inspiring journey of Ibrahim Haruna Baba, widely known as Ibjeje, who hails from Bebeji local government area in Kano State.
Ibjeje’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and determination as he carved a unique path in Nigerian sports by embracing American football.
His tryst with American football began in late 2012, sparked by a deep-rooted fascination for the sport. Having admired the game from afar, Ibjeje’s destiny took a fortuitous turn when he connected with a Cameroonian neighbor while attending Ahmadu Bello University in Abu Zaria.
This neighbors was part of the Abu Titans, a local American football club, and thus began Ibjeje’s remarkable journey into the world of American football.
He recounted, “I told him I loved the game and wished to join the team. The club’s name is Abu Titans, and that’s how it all started. I joined the team, and that was it. I played for about two years with the team, and I played as a quarterback.”
However, the pursuit of American football in Nigeria came with its own set of challenges and risks. Ibjeje highlighted some of these dangers, which include injuries, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, joint dislocations, and more.
The sport’s physical nature exposes players to various disadvantages, including neurological issues such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), mental health challenges, memory loss, and physical ailments like ACL tears, arthritis, heart conditions, and musculoskeletal injuries.
During his initial years in American football, the sport faced hurdles in terms of recognition and resources. At the time, the sport was far from mainstream in Nigeria, and financial constraints added to the struggle.
He revealed that there were no opportunities to compete at the professional level until he left Abu Zaria in early 2015 for his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) service.
Nevertheless, it was during his time with the ABU Titans that a historic moment occurred. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, hosted the first official American football game in Nigeria at its stadium. The ABU Titans, formed a few years prior, finally had an opponent when the Lagos Marines were created. The ABU Titans triumphed in this groundbreaking game, winning 26-20.
Besides American football, Ibjeje is also passionate about soccer and envisions participating in golf in the future. Presently, he is employed at Fulham Property Development and Company Limited, a real estate property development firm located in Lagos.
Ibjeje emphasized the growing recognition of American football in Nigeria, highlighting its potential to serve as an alternative career path, especially for individuals who may not fit the traditional soccer mould. He also stressed the importance of grassroots sports development, urging Nigerians to pay more attention to American football, a sport that embodies many character traits that resonate with Nigerians, such as dynamism, speed, and strength.
Ibjeje’s journey from Kano to Abu Zaria represents a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams, even in unconventional avenues of sports. His story sheds light on the emerging landscape of American football in Nigeria and its potential to open doors for aspiring athletes.
