Oba Femi: Meet 22-year-old Nigerian wrestler who is the future of WWE

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Oba Femi has been aspiring Nigerians across the world since he first appeared on NXT, the third brand for the internationally renowned wrestling organization, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

Born and raised in Lagos state, Nigeria, Oba Femi whose real name is Isaac Odugbesan has been able to appeal to mainstream populace courtesy of his physical appearance, agility and strength. He is a specimen, hence, his impressive physicality cannot demean his relevance on the global scene.

Oba Femi, 22, gained prominence after he won the recently concluded 2023 Men’s NXT Breakout Tournament. He was the first Nigerian and African to achieve the impressive milestone.

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Prior to his latest achievement, on December 8, 2021, Odugbesan signed with the professional wrestling promotion WWE as part of its new Next In Line program to develop college athletes into potential WWE wrestlers.

Under the pseudonym Oba Femi, he made his in-ring debut on the November 18, 2022 episode of NXT Level Up, losing to Dante Chen.

On April 25, 2023, at Spring Breakin’, Femi made his NXT debut, defeating Oro Mensah. In December 2023, Femi entered the 2023 Men’s NXT Breakout Tournament. In this tournament, he defeated Myles Borne and Tavion Heights in the first round and semifinal respectively.

On January 2, 2024, at NXT: New Year’s Evil, Femi defeated Riley Osborne to win the tournament final.