The NFL granted the Cleveland Browns the rights for international marketing in Nigeria. Previously referred to as the International Home Marketing Areas, the NFL announced the program three years ago to grow the sport globally.
The international markets operated throughout Western Europe, South America, North America, Asia, and Oceania. Argentina, Colombia, Japan, and South Korea are the four other new markets in 2024. Nigeria is the first market to open in Africa, and the Browns have the sole marketing rights in the country.
The Browns already have ties to the country. David Njoku’s parents immigrated from Nigeria, and his family maintained close ties with their communities. In 2022, Njoku was named a chief of his familial village, Umuozu, in southern Nigeria. Njoku recorded a message welcoming the country to the program.
The Chief welcomes Nigeria to the NFL Global Markets Program! @David_Njoku80 | @NFL | @NFLAfrica pic.twitter.com/4KzJt7iIWs
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 25, 2024
Njoku isn’t the only Browns player who has roots in Nigeria. Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo and new offensive tackle Hakeem Adeniji are of Nigerian descent. Okoronkwo has participated in NFL Africa events, hosting football camps in Nigeria and Ghana. Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is another major participant in NFL Africa. The Browns have a ton of friendly and familiar faces to welcome in fans from across the globe.