At sixteen, Prince Tega Wanogho had one dream: to become the next LeBron James. With his towering frame and natural athleticism, he believed basketball was his destiny. But fate had other plans. Born in Delta State, Nigeria, Wanogho took a bold step, leaving home for the United States to chase his NBA aspirations. Instead, he discovered a sport he barely knew existed—American football. What started as a chance encounter led him to the NFL, where he would make history.
This is the remarkable story of a Nigerian prince who swapped the basketball court for the football field—and won the Super Bowl twice.
The Dream That Changed Everything
Growing up in Delta State, Nigeria, Prince Tega Wanogho envisioned a future filled with slam dunks, buzzer-beaters, and NBA stardom. Towering over his peers at 6-foot-5, he had the ideal build for basketball and the confidence to match. His dreams weren’t just childhood fantasies—he believed he was destined to be the next LeBron James.
But fate had a different script. In 2014, an opportunity arose that would change everything. A basketball camp in the United States opened its doors to him, promising exposure to scouts and potential scholarships. It was the break he had been waiting for. With the full support of his family, 16-year-old Wanogho took a leap of faith, leaving behind the only life he had ever known to chase a dream on foreign soil.
What he didn’t know was that the game that would define his career wasn’t basketball—it was a sport he had barely seen on TV.
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A Leap of Faith: Leaving Nigeria at 16
At just 16 years old, Prince Tega Wanogho boarded a flight to the United States, filled with excitement, nerves, and the unwavering belief that he was destined for basketball greatness. He had never been away from home for an extended period, but this was his shot—a chance to showcase his skills, earn a scholarship, and one day hear his name called in the NBA Draft.
Settling in Alabama, he quickly adapted to his new environment, excelling at basketball and impressing coaches with his natural athleticism. But fate had other plans. One day, as he and a teammate tossed a football around for fun, his life took an unexpected turn. The school’s football coach, Bobby Carr, noticed his size, speed, and raw strength. Intrigued, Carr asked Wanogho if he had ever considered playing football. The answer was simple—he had never even touched a football before.
With nothing to lose, he gave it a shot. His first position? Defensive end, where his only instruction was to chase the quarterback. His sheer physicality and instincts took over, and within weeks, it was clear—he wasn’t just good, he was a natural.
Despite barely understanding the rules, college scouts took notice. Offers from powerhouse programs like Clemson, LSU, Georgia, and Ohio State started pouring in. It was an unbelievable turn of events—a teenager who had never played football was now a top college prospect.
Suddenly, the dream had changed. Basketball took a backseat, and football became his new path. His next stop? Auburn University, where he would transform from a raw talent into an elite athlete.
The Making of a Football Star: From Edgewood Academy to Auburn
Prince Tega Wanogho’s transition to football was nothing short of remarkable. In just one season at Edgewood Academy, he went from a complete novice to a four-star recruit, a status many high school players spend years trying to achieve. His rare combination of size, speed, and raw athleticism made college scouts take notice.
Initially recruited as a defensive lineman, his explosive first step and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks made him stand out. But just as his football career was taking off, disaster struck. During a high school basketball game, he landed awkwardly and suffered a broken tibia and fibula—a severe leg injury that could have ended his career before it even began.
Despite this setback, Auburn University still believed in his potential. They honored their scholarship offer, allowing him to heal and prove himself. Wanogho redshirted his freshman year, using the time to rehab and learn the game. During this period, Auburn’s coaching staff saw something unexpected—his size, long arms, and footwork made him an ideal offensive tackle.
Switching positions wasn’t easy, especially for someone still learning the fundamentals of the sport. But Wanogho embraced the challenge. By his second season, he was seeing game action. By 2017, he became Auburn’s starting left tackle, a role he would dominate for the next three seasons. Over 32 career starts, he protected quarterbacks, battled elite SEC pass rushers, and refined his skills into those of a future NFL prospect.
The NFL Dream: Draft Day and Early Struggles
By the time the 2020 NFL Draft arrived, Prince Tega Wanogho had already defied the odds. From never touching a football to becoming a dominant SEC lineman, his story was already remarkable. But the draft process wasn’t without challenges. A knee injury had limited his workouts, leaving teams uncertain about his long-term durability.
Still, his talent couldn’t be ignored. On April 25, 2020, his name was called—the Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the sixth round (210th overall). It wasn’t the high draft position he had hoped for, but it was an opportunity to prove himself at the highest level.
His NFL journey, however, started with immediate adversity. Just months after being drafted, the Eagles waived him before the start of the season. It was a humbling moment. But instead of giving up, he fought his way onto their practice squad, continuing to develop his skills.
By January 2021, he finally got his chance. The Eagles activated him for their Week 17 game against the Washington Football Team. Though brief, it was his first taste of real NFL action—proof that he belonged in the league. But just as he was getting started, his time in Philadelphia ended.
After his contract expired, he was given a second chance with the Kansas City Chiefs. The journey was far from smooth. He was signed, released, and re-signed multiple times. But Wanogho didn’t flinch. He knew what it meant to fight for an opportunity. And this time, he was determined to make the most of it.
Little did he know that his persistence would soon lead him to the biggest stage in football—the Super Bowl.
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A Super Bowl Champion: Making History with the Chiefs
Prince Tega Wanogho’s journey had already been extraordinary, but the best was yet to come. After bouncing between practice squads and fighting for a roster spot, he finally found stability with the Kansas City Chiefs. Though his role was primarily on special teams, he was part of a team destined for greatness.
In 2022, his patience and perseverance paid off. The Chiefs made an incredible run to Super Bowl LVII, where they faced the Philadelphia Eagles—the very team that had drafted and later waived him. It was a full-circle moment. On February 12, 2023, when the Chiefs secured a 38-35 victory, Wanogho became a Super Bowl champion.
But his story didn’t stop there. A year later, the Chiefs returned to the Super Bowl LVIII stage, this time against the San Francisco 49ers. In another nail-biting showdown, they emerged victorious again, making Wanogho a back-to-back Super Bowl champion.
From a teenager who had never played football to a two-time Super Bowl winner, Wanogho had reached the pinnacle of the sport. His journey wasn’t just about talent—it was about resilience, adaptability, and an unbreakable will to succeed.
Now a Nigerian NFL champion, his success represents more than just personal achievement. It’s a beacon of hope for young African athletes, proving that dreams can become reality, no matter how unconventional.
Beyond Football: Prince, Role Model, and Inspiration
Prince Tega Wanogho’s story is bigger than football. His journey from Delta State, Nigeria, to the NFL is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of believing in oneself. But beyond the touchdowns, draft picks, and championships, his legacy is taking shape in another way—as an inspiration to young Africans chasing their dreams.
Wanogho’s Nigerian roots run deep. As a real-life prince from the village of Ogor, his story often draws comparisons to Hollywood’s Coming to America. But instead of royal riches, his life was shaped by hard work, sacrifice, and resilience. He didn’t come to America with a golden ticket—he came with a dream, raw talent, and an unwavering commitment to success.
He understands the power of representation. In a sport where African-born players are still rare, Wanogho’s success paves the way for future generations. His journey sends a clear message—it doesn’t matter where you start; what matters is how hard you’re willing to work.
With two Super Bowl rings and an inspiring life story, Wanogho isn’t just making history on the field—he’s showing young Africans that their dreams, no matter how impossible they seem, are worth pursuing.