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By Chinelo Obogo
Nigerian athlete Uar Bernard said he has become the first person from his tribe and state to participate in the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) programme.
Bernard, who said he discovered basketball at the age of 16 through his secondary school, was introduced to American football through a series of development camps across Nigeria, Kenya and Egypt. His standout performance at the Egypt camp earned him selection to travel to London, where he is now training under the IPP programme, the NFL’s initiative designed to identify and develop elite athletic talent from outside the United States.
”I was playing basketball growing up in Nigeria. I got introduced to football through camps in Nigeria, Kenya and Egypt. After the camp in Egypt, I was selected to go to London for the IPP programme, and that’s how I got here,” he said.
The transition from basketball to American football has not been without difficulty. Bernard said that the sport demands a level of tactical intelligence that goes far beyond raw physicality.
”Football is very technical it’s all about IQ and positioning.Transitioning from basketball is quite challenging, but I adapted because of my hard work, my dedication and my willingness to learn. The biggest adjustment for me has been being coachable. You have to be willing to learn everything, that’s what helps you grow at this level,” he said.
Bernard said the significance of his participation in the programme is beyond personal achievement. He said he is aware that he carries the hopes of an entire community on his shoulders.
”It means a lot to me, my family, my coaches and my tribe. I’m the first person from my tribe and my state to be in the IPP programme. It’s a big opportunity to represent Nigeria and everyone back home. My biggest motivation is God and my family. I’m not doing this only for myself. I’m doing it for the people back home who want me to succeed,” he said.
Bernard also spoke about what he believes is needed to unlock Nigeria’s considerable athletic potential in the sport.
“There are a lot of talented people walking around in the streets. If we want to grow the game in Nigeria, we need facilities, coaching and more knowledge of the game. That will help produce more players and create more opportunities,” he said.
He said he models his game on two of the NFL’s most decorated defensive players, retired Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald and Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett. “I look up to Aaron Donald because of his toughness and technique. I also look up to Myles Garrett, his ability to stay strong and perform even when the game is challenging,” he said.
Bernard’s message for young athletes across Africa who dream of following a similar path is: “Preparation meets opportunity. If you’re not prepared, you might miss your chance. I would tell young athletes to stay hardworking, be coachable and never give up.”
