Isaac Oba Femi Odugbesan from University Sports to the Global WWE Stage
The Nigerian University Games Association NUGA celebrates the continued rise of Nigerian athletes on the global stage, not only within national competitive sports but also across emerging international platforms such as sports entertainment. One such athlete is Oba Femi, born Isaac Odugbesan in Lagos, Nigeria, whose journey from university athletics to World Wrestling Entertainment WWE exemplifies the long term impact of structured student sports development. In recognition of his achievements and growing global influence, Oba Femi has also featured repeatedly on NUGAs Men in Sports list across the Associations official social media platforms.
Oba Femi is a Nigerian professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, where he competes on the NXT brand as the reigning NXT Champion. Born on 22 April 1998, he is 27 years old and stands at 6 feet 6 inches, weighing approximately 310 pounds, combining physical strength, agility, and performance excellence. His professional success is rooted in a strong athletic foundation developed through track and field, where he specialised in shot put during his formative years.
Through organised university games, Oba Femi progressed into international competition, earning scholarships to Middle Tennessee State University and later the University of Alabama in the United States. During his collegiate career, he recorded multiple conference title wins, demonstrating discipline, consistency, and elite performance. His pathway reflects the critical role university sports play in nurturing talent capable of competing at the highest global levels.
In late 2021, following his collegiate achievements, Oba Femi was signed by WWE through its Name, Image, and Likeness programme, an initiative designed to transition outstanding athletes from other sports into professional wrestling. He made his official in ring debut on 18 November 2022 on NXT Level Up, WWEs developmental showcase for emerging talent, marking the beginning of his professional wrestling career.
His rise within WWE was swift and decisive. On 2 January 2024, Oba Femi won the NXT Mens Breakout Tournament, a competition created to identify future stars within the organisation. He subsequently captured the NXT North American Championship, holding the title for a record breaking 273 days, the longest reign in the championships history. This achievement established him as one of the most dominant performers in the NXT brand.
On 6 December 2025, Oba Femi reclaimed the NXT Championship at the NXT Deadline premium live event after defeating Ricky Saints in the main event. This victory positioned him at the forefront of WWEs developmental brand and expanded his international visibility.
Further highlighting his global ascent, Oba Femi competed on Saturday, 13 December 2025, in a champion versus champion exhibition match against Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at WWEs Saturday Nights Main Event held in Washington, DC. The match, broadcast to a global audience, showcased his athletic dominance and readiness for top level competition. Despite the contest ending in disqualification following interference, his performance earned widespread recognition and reinforced his status as a rising global contender.
Beyond individual success, Oba Femis journey represents the broader impact of university sports in Nigeria. As an alumnus of the university athletics system, he stands as an inspiration to student athletes across the country, demonstrating how commitment to education, discipline, and sport can open pathways to global opportunity. His achievements align with NUGAs mission to develop well rounded athletes, promote youth empowerment, and project Nigerian talent onto the international stage.
Through stories such as Oba Femis, NUGA continues to affirm its belief in the power of collegiate sports as a catalyst for national pride, global representation, and sustainable youth development.