NFL week one wrap-up

The NFL returned this past week and several Africans were in the mix for their teams.

Osi Umenyiora returned after missing last season with the Giants and he returned in a big way. #72 forced a fumble and returned it for a touchdown in the Giants 23-17 win over the Redskins.

Victor Abiamiri got his first ever touchdown as he returned a fumble all the way to help the Eagles get the win over Carolina.

Joseph Addai is still struggling to get back to his best form with the Colts.

Nnamdi Asomugha had a good game against the Chargers but was beat on a crucial TD for the Chargers.

Legedu Naanee showed his abilities in catching 5 passes for 49 yards for the Chargers in the win over Oakland. Naanee is going to be an important player for the Chargers as he moves up the depth chart to become the third WR.


Tamba Hali is adjusting nicely to his new position on the Chiefs. The DE/LB had five tackles, one sack and a forced fumble as the Chiefs lost a high scoring game to the Ravens.


Adewale Ogunleye had two sacks in the first half but was unable to prevent the Bears losing to the Packers.

NFL tidbits

NFL OTA's are ongoing and players are returning from their vacations in preparation for the start of training camp in July. Here's news and articles on some of our lads.

Nnamdi Asomugha recently chatted with fans on ESPNSportsnation. Check it out:
http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=26097
Osi Umenyiora's rehab is right on schedule and it looks like he'll be ready for Giants training camp.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/11543444/rss
Tamba Hali is hoping to show his worth to the new Kansas City regime during the upcoming season.
http://www.kansascity.com/160/story/1183165.html
Folks in St.Louis are wondering if the Rams have done enough to steady their backup running back situation with both Samkon Gado and rookie Chris Ogbonnaya in the mix.
http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/round-two/round-two/2009/04/have-the-rams-done-enough-at-rb/
Brian Orakpo is saying and doing the right things as he fits right in with the Redskins.
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/28/orakpo-at-ease-with-redskins/#

NFL stars visit Nigeria

A number of NFL players with Nigerian roots spent a portion of their offseason visiting Nigeria and
helping a variety of people and organizations.
Osi Umenyiora, Adewale Ogunleye and Amobi Okoye among others took some time out of their vacations to visit las gidi and other parts of the country. These NFL stars taught the youth a little bit about American football and also did a fair amount of community service work in the country.
The guys also donated footy/soccer gear to one of the local NPL clubs in the country.
These NFL stars showed that there are some athletes out there that remember their roots and do genuinely care about their communities and their native countries.
Keep up the good work fella's and to my people transplanted in foreign lands, please do your part to assist in the situations in your native countries. Every little bit helps.