Efe Obada is the first NFL player to successfully come through the NFL International Pathway Program. Now, he’s getting the chance to play in his hometown.
Efe Obada made history in the 2018 preseason when he signed with the Carolina Panthers. The defensive lineman, who was born in Nigeria and considers London his hometown, became the first player to join an active NFL roster through the NFL International Pathway Program.
Now, after signing a new one-year contract, he will have the chance to play a game in England’s capital.
Obada has a unique story. He was born in Nigeria, but at the age of 8, his mother sent for him and his sister to come live with her in the Netherlands. Obada spent a few years there before moving to London, where he ran into problems.
He spent time living on the streets before bouncing around foster homes. Still, he made it to college, and at the age of 22, discovered American football.
Obada came to the United States in 2015, and played for the Cowboys, the Chiefs, and the Falcons practice squads before arriving in North Carolina. In the preseason, he earned a one-year contract and a spot on the active roster.
He debuted in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he had a sack, an interception, and earned the NFC Defensive Player of the Week honor.
Obada finished the season with eight tackles, including two sacks, and six quarterback pressures in 10 games. His contributions were enough to earn him another year on the Panthers’ roster.
“I definitely want to step into a more secure role, into a leadership role on the team,” Obada said after signing the new deal. “That’s what I’m working towards.”
But on Monday, Obada discovered even more good news. The Panthers will be traveling to London for the first time for their match against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They will either be playing in the new Tottenham Hotspurs stadium or the nation stadium of England, Wembley.
“It’s amazing to hear the Panthers are going to play in London,” Obada said. “One of the goals I set, beyond making the roster, was to play in London, be in front of English fans and get a sack. It would be coming full-circle to be on that field. Now I have to make the team again. It’s added motivation.”