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By Joe Apu
Five Nigerian athletes have been selected for the National Football League’s (NFL) International Player Pathway (IPP) Program Class of 2026, marking a significant milestone for Nigeria’s growing presence in global American football.
The NFL announced the new IPP class on Monday, naming Collins Arogunjo, Uar Bernard, Michael Daramola, Chibuike Madu, and Anjola Oketola among 13 athletes chosen from 10 countries worldwide. The selection places Nigeria as one of the most represented nations in the 2026 intake.
Established in 2017, the International Player Pathway program is designed to identify elite international athletes and provide them with professional training, education, and exposure to NFL teams, with the ultimate goal of earning a roster spot in the league.
Beginning in January 2026, the five Nigerians will travel to Fort Myers, Florida, where they will undergo an intensive 10-week American football training program at X3 Performance and Physical Therapy. The program combines on-field instruction with classroom learning, culminating in a showcase event attended by NFL scouts.
The selected Nigerians join a growing list of athletes from the country who have benefited from the IPP initiative. Previous Nigerian participants, including CJ Okoye and Haggai Ndubuisi, have gone on to earn places on NFL rosters, underscoring the program’s impact on Nigerian talent.
NFL Director of International Football Development, Patrick Long, said the league was excited to welcome the new class, noting that the IPP program continues to play a critical role in expanding the sport globally and creating opportunities for elite athletes outside the United States.
The IPP program allows NFL clubs to sign international players as free agents or select eligible players during the NFL Draft. Teams are also permitted a roster exemption for qualifying international players through the offseason, with the option of retaining them on a dedicated international practice squad spot.
Since its launch, 70 international players have signed with NFL teams through the IPP program, with 22 currently on active NFL rosters. The inclusion of five Nigerians in the Class of 2026 further highlights Nigeria’s rising influence in the global development of American football.
