By Olatunde Marolan
(Lagos) Lagos-born Moro Ojomo left Soccer-obsessed Nigeria for Football-worshipping Texas at 7 yet defied the odds to reach the Super Bowl this year, fulfilling the prayers of his parents and the dream of a nation.
Draping himself with the flag of Nigeria is the iconic photo Nigerians will remember. But what world did Moro come from at the age of 7?
He came from Faith, according to parents Ololade and Bimbo Ojomo of Katy, Texas in a call from TruthNigeria.
“Moro was born while I was already a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God. I taught my children that they are not just the children of a pastor but children of God, and this has nurtured their relationship with Him,” Rev. Ololade (“OJ”) said on the call.
Moro Ojomo Credits Parents for His Success
Moro attributes much of his success to his parents. His father, Ololade, a pastor and missionary, serves as the senior pastor of Victory House Houston, one of the many parishes of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), notably Nigeria’s largest church with more than 20,000 branches scattered all over the world. He has dedicated his life to building faith communities. His mother, Bimbo, works as an IT and human resources consultant, having established her career in Santa Clara, California.
Faith has played a central role in the Ojomo family’s journey, especially during difficult times, such as when Moro’s sister, Omodele, battled leukemia. Ololade has always emphasized resilience, telling his son that “you’ll always have a better tomorrow.” Moro credits his father’s guidance for his relentless pursuit of self-improvement, embracing a mindset of daily growth in football.
In a call interview with TruthNigeria, Pastor Lolade Ojomo shared the inspiring journey of his son, Moro.
He reflected on Moro’s name, Moroti-Oluwa, meaning “I stand with God.” This belief has been pivotal in Moro’s life. “During the NFL draft, we nearly lost hope, as we expected him to be selected in the first rounds due to his incredible talent and discipline. We waited anxiously until the last (7th) round when he was finally chosen by the Philadelphia Eagles as the 249th overall pick, just a few spots from the end. But today, thank God, he is a Super Bowl champion, achieving more than many who were picked ahead of him,” Rev. Jomo said.
When discussing Moro’s love for Nigeria, Pastor Ojomo said, “Moro was born in Nigeria and moved to America at seven, making him a true blend of cultures. His paternal grandfather was a Major General in the Nigerian Army, and his maternal grandfather served in the Nigerian National House of Assembly,” he went on to say. “Moro enjoys listening to Nigerian hip-hop artists like Burnaboy. He embodies the spirit of resilience and hard work, stating, ‘Naija no dey carry last,’ which means ‘Nigerians always aim for the top.'”
In offering advice to other parents and aspiring champions, Pastor Ojomo emphasized the importance of perseverance: “Moro’s success didn’t come overnight; it took over 12 years of dedication, including weightlifting and training. He practices discipline, chooses a strict diet, and goes to bed by 8:30 p.m. His disciplined lifestyle inspires me, his father. And most importantly, success comes with losses and failures. So, put in the work and trust God for success,” he concluded.
Throughout his journey, he has remained grateful for his parents’ unwavering support. Reflecting on their influence, he shared to Essentially Sports: “My dad makes me believe that this world is at my feet,” while his mother provides him with unconditional love and encouragement.
Now an NFL athlete, Moro continues to carry his parents’ lessons with him, striving each day to be a better player and person.
Facing the Kansas City Chiefs in the Superbowl and their star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Ojomo delivered a standout performance with two tackles and a crucial tackle for loss. His efforts helped Philadelphia stifle the Chiefs’ high-powered offense, holding them scoreless for nearly three quarters—a remarkable feat.
After the final whistle, Ojomo proudly hoisted the Nigerian flag, celebrating not only his victory but also his heritage. His triumph in the Super Bowl marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
Celebrated in Nigeria
Back in his home country, Ojomo’s achievement was met with widespread celebration. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led the tributes, writing on X:
“Congratulations to Morotoluwa Ojomo, @MoroOjomo, a proud Lagos-born talent, for becoming a Super Bowl Champion with the Philadelphia Eagles! Your journey from Lagos to the NFL exemplifies resilience, determination, and unmatched talent. You’ve made Lagos and Nigeria proud on the global stage.”
Ojomo also took to Instagram after the game, proudly displaying the Nigerian flag with the caption: “Best in the world.”
A Legacy in the Making
Moro’s victory is more than just personal success; it reflects the growing influence of Nigerian athletes in the NFL. He joins a distinguished group of Nigerian-born or Nigerian-descended players, including C.J. Uzomah a tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles who signed with the Eagles on April 11, 2024, and was promoted to the active roster on December 4, 2024, Chukwuebuka Godrick an offensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs who entered the NFL as a designated International Pathway Player with the Chiefs in 2023 and was signed to their practice squad on August 28, 2024, Chris Oladokun a quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs who was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft and later joined the Chiefs, where he became a two-time Super Bowl champion, and Charles Omenihu a defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs who entered his second season with the Chiefs in 2024.
Moro’s Super Bowl ring is more than just a trophy—it is an inspiration for aspiring athletes worldwide. From a young boy in Lagos to an NFL champion, Moro Ojomo’s journey is proof that with faith, hard work, and perseverance, dreams can become reality.
Olatunde Marolan in Lagos is a conflict reporter for TruthNigeria.
