Giants sign Nigerian and Osi Umenyiora mentee, Roy Mbaeteka

On Friday, the New York Giants announced the signing of offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka, a 22-year-old Nigerian with little to no football experience. 

Mbaeteka, a 6-9, 320 lbs offensive lineman, was initially discovered by Giants legend Osi Umenyiora through his football program in Nigeria, The Uprise.  

Last October, Mbaeteka was one of three Nigerian players chosen to participate in the NFL's International Combine in London. 

"Once you see him, you know he's physically imposing, and in a year or two, if you immerse him in football culture, he's going to be fantastic," Umenyiora told the New York Giants' website. "The Giants took a chance. Not much of a chance, I think. When you see him working, you're going to know what he's about.

"He is big, strong, physical, extremely intelligent, very athletic. He's built to play offensive tackle in the league. In fact, he reminds me quite a bit of Kareem McKenzie. He has the same temperament. He's very smart, but he's a very athletic player." 

Mbaeteka initially pursued basketball after moving from his native Onitsha, of the Anambra state in Nigeria, to Benin City, in Edo state Nigeria. There, football caught his eye during a basketball training camp held by Nigerian and former Cleveland Cavalier Ejike Ogbuaja. 

"I attended the camp and while playing basketball I couldn't help but notice the football guys doing their thing, so whenever we had a water break on the court, I'd just go over to the field to watch the football work out," Mbaeteka said in February while participating in the IPPP, the NFL's International Player Pathway program. "When I made the all-star team in the camp Mr. Ejike approached me and said, 'you're the size of a football player; have you ever thought about playing football?' And he introduced me to guy, and right then I made the switch."

The Giants will be hoping Mbaeteka can grow into a successful player, like fellow lineman, Philadelphia Eagles' Jordan Mailata. Mailata, a native of Australia, had never played American football before being drafted in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL draft. The Eagles first saw him through the NFL's IPPP. 

Ahead of the 2021 season, Mailata signed a 4-year, $64 million contract extension. Mailata made 14 starts for the Eagles in 2021, named a second-team all-pro by Pro Football Focus.