The Elegbata Sports Complex on Lagos Island came alive on Saturday as the second edition of the Odafe Oweh Football Camp kicked off, drawing over 100 enthusiastic young participants.
The two-day camp, organized by the Oweh’s Foundation for Opportunity (OFFO), aims to promote American football in Nigeria and inspire a new generation of athletes.
The initiative, founded by NFL star and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh, is part of his mission to give back to his roots and provide opportunities for Nigerian youths to learn the fundamentals of American football.
The camp is holding in Lagos for the first time, following a successful debut elsewhere.
Saturday’s session focused on children aged 13 and below, many of whom are already part of the Flag Football program run by the Nigeria American Football Association in Lagos State. With expert guidance from a team of U.S.-based instructors, the young athletes were put through drills to hone their skills and deepen their understanding of the sport.
Oweh was joined by two of his teammates from the Baltimore Ravens—David Ojabo and Nnamdi Madubuike—both of whom share Nigerian heritage. Ojabo, a Nigerian-Scottish linebacker, expressed excitement about the level of raw talent on display, praising Oweh for creating a platform that empowers kids to pursue their dreams.
“This is just the beginning,” Ojabo said. “Seeing these kids out here working hard and having fun reminds me of why initiatives like this matter. Odafe is doing something truly special.”
Madubuike echoed similar sentiments, noting that American football offers a unique path for young Nigerians to balance academics and athletics. “With the right support, these kids can earn scholarships and play college football in the U.S.,” he said. “This camp is planting seeds for future success stories.”
The camp wraps up on Sunday, with more drills, mentorship sessions, and a celebration of the participants’ growth over the weekend. For many of the young athletes, it’s more than just sport—it’s the beginning of a dream
