As the Windy City prepares for another thrilling NFL season, the Tribes of Andrew community stands united in celebrating four exceptional warriors who carry the spirit of Nigeria onto Chicago’s hallowed gridiron. These men represent more than just the Bears—they embody our heritage, our determination, and the unbreakable connection between the diaspora and our motherland.
**Dayo Odeyingbo (#55)**, the powerful defensive end who made Chicago home in March 2025, signed a three-year, $48 million contract that reflected the Bears’ belief in his potential. Born in Brooklyn, New York to Nigerian immigrant parents Gary and Betty who journeyed from Nigeria to England to the United States, Dayo’s passion for the game runs deeper than statistics. “I’m playing for legacy,” he has said. “It’s bigger than just me. I’m playing for family.” His parents’ courageous journey fuels his fire every Sunday, and he chose Chicago specifically because of its rich history and tradition. Though his 2025 season was cut short by an Achilles injury in Week 9, we know this warrior will return stronger, carrying the resilience that flows through Nigerian blood.
**Rome Odunze (#15)**, the electrifying rookie wide receiver and ninth overall pick in the 2024 draft, brings royal Nigerian lineage to the Bears. His name literally means “King’s Ivory,” and his great-grandfather was an actual king in Nigeria! Rome’s father, James, immigrated from Nigeria in 1972, and that heritage drives everything Rome does. “My grandfather was one of 50 kids,” Rome shared. “African Americans sometimes don’t often know where they come from. I feel super blessed that I know where I come from. I know the village that my grandpa grew up in… it’s about honoring them.” Having that Nigerian heritage has opened his eyes to a broader sense of purpose, family, and legacy. In his second season, this young prince is already establishing his own royal legacy in Chicago with 54 catches for 734 yards and three touchdowns.
**Olamide Zaccheaus (#14)**, the dynamic veteran wide receiver whose very name proclaims “wealth has come” in Yoruba, joined the Bears in March 2025 on a one-year contract. Born in Plainfield, New Jersey to Nigerian parents, Olamide’s mother Yimbra Mozimo has been instrumental in shaping his work ethic and sense of identity. At just five-foot-eight and 199 pounds, this compact speedster proves that heart and Nigerian determination matter far more than height. His connection to Nigerian heritage has shaped his approach to the game, and he recently scored his first Bears touchdown in their thrilling Week 9 victory over Cincinnati—a perfectly executed play that helped seal a 47-42 win.
**Amen Ogbongbemiga (#45)**, our linebacker born in Lagos, Nigeria, recently re-signed with the Bears on a two-year, $5 million contract extension in March 2025. After being raised in Houston and Calgary, Amen brings authentic Nigerian roots directly from the motherland. Just activated from injured reserve on November 6, 2025, this special teams ace led the Bears last season with a career-high 11 special teams tackles in all 17 games. A native son of Lagos who starred at Oklahoma State, Amen represents the direct connection between Nigeria and Chicago’s gridiron glory.
From all of us in the Chicago diaspora community, we say *Ẹ ku àbọ̀*—welcome home, champions! May this season bring you health, victories that shake Soldier Field, and the strength of our ancestors guiding every play. You carry our names, our pride, and our dreams every time you step onto that sacred turf.
*Bear Down, Naija Style!*