NFL Academy Athlete Clinton Azubuike Commits to Northern Arizona

Nigerian Prospect Will Join Division 1 College Program, Playing in the Big Sky Conference

LONDON — Feb. 7, 2024 — Clinton Azubuike becomes the latest exciting talent to graduate from the NFL Academy, committing to Northern Arizona University. He has officially signed in time to register for the upcoming academic year.

Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Clinton Azubuike was discovered by two-time Super Bowl winner Osi Umenyiora, through his Uprise Camp held in Nigeria. Azubuike instantly drew interest due to his impressive athleticism for his size and following another great showcase at an NFL Africa camp in Ghana, he was invited to join the NFL Academy program.

The NFL Academy, established in 2019, is based at Loughborough's world-renowned center of sporting excellence in the U.K. – in partnership with Loughborough College and Loughborough University – with a roster of coaching staff that have experience across the NFL and college football. 

The elite football development program offers talented student athletes aged 16–19 a pathway to combine their full-time education with transformative life skills and character development alongside intensive training in football.

Through his time at the NFL Academy, Azubuike played across the entire defensive line, and earned himself multiple NCAA college offers before locking in his choice of Northern Arizona.

“I feel blessed and if not for God and everyone supporting me, I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in today. Everything has been by his Grace. This makes me feel one step closer to my goal. From just being an athletic kid, NFL Academy shaped me into a football player who got interest from Division 1 schools. My time in the NFL Academy has been amazing, I have grown so much and made friends for life,” said Azubuike.

“I am honored to sign with Northern Arizona University, all my hard work has led to this point. My journey has been made easier by Osi Umenyiora, who is like a big brother to me. I keep him updated on my progress and he gives me advice every time I reach out. Having someone like Osi makes the journey more exciting, because I have a mentor who has lived the dream I want to make my reality.”

“This is a tremendous occasion for the NFL Academy, NFL Africa and, most importantly, Clinton. He has worked incredibly hard to get to where he is today and is a real-life example of why we at the NFL are expanding pathway opportunities for talented athletes from around the world to play football,” said Osi Umenyiora, an NFL Academy ambassador who spearheads NFL Africa programming. “Translating his skillset from a variety of sports to American football is not easy, but it is possible when you have the mindset and work ethic of a young man like Clinton. We could not be prouder of him.”

In 2023, the NFL Academy’s roster included 63 student-athletes from 13 countries (U.K., France, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Czech Republic, Austria, Belgium, Nigeria, Ireland and Senegal).

In the spring of 2024, 27 NFL Academy alumni will be enrolled in U.S. college football programs.

To find out more about the programme, please visit here.