By David Grossman

He’s what people would call strong, sensible and a champion in more ways than one.

While Odinakachukwu (Nakas) Onyeka is gifted individual with a charming personality and a perpetual smile, he is fixated on sharing a succinct message: stay focused and confident.

Capturing his own words and experience, Onyeka has made a practice of doing just that.

Now, a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University and playing in the Canadian Football League, Onyeka, recalled a special time in his life – and, also, that one memorable place. It was where the native of Toronto and of Nigerian descent, often went to study. He referred to it as “that room in the university’s Athletic Complex”.

It was home to a museum of names.
 
Onyeka would often take a break from his academic work, glance around the area and even take a stroll while absorbing the rich knowledge of some outstanding individuals on the Laurier honor roll of sports excellence. 

“I remember that well, it was the Hall of Fame room, and I went to read some of the stories about some great people,” said Onyeka, who is in his fifth year as a professional athlete and now plays for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after previously suiting up with Toronto and Saskatchewan.

“It was so cool. So much history in one room. I thought, this was something that I wanted to make as a goal for myself. I thought, if I was fortunate, my name might be there one day, too.”

Today, it is. In his case, with some pretty good credentials.

While at Laurier, Onyeka was chosen as a First-Team All-Canadian linebacker and was on the squad that celebrated after winning an Ontario University Athletics (OUA) football championship. There’s more.  Twice, Onyeka was chosen a league All-Star and winner of the distinguished President’s Award as the top university male athlete.

“The culture of Laurier, it was perfect for me,” added Onyeka. I am convinced that if I didn’t play at Laurier, I would not have made it to the CFL.”

Onyeka learned to play football at the age of 16, enjoying the game with family and friends in regular backyard gatherings. Back then, his introduction to the competitive game was in high school as a defensive lineman. Muscle replaced excessive weight, a position change occurred and Onyeka was on the road to success.

Football has been good to Onyeka. He was twice a member of the Region of Peel championship teams at St. Marguerite d’Youville Secondary in Brampton. Then came Laurier’s stunning 2016 win over Western in the Yates Cup. Add on, making his CFL debut on June 25, 2017 and being part of the group hoisting the 105th Grey Cup with the Toronto Argonauts.

“I love knowing that now I get paid to do something that I really have a passion for - football,” said Onyeka. “Looking back, it was Laurier. Going there, earning an (Honors) Degree in Communications Studies, meeting so many great coaches and friends. Laurier helped me achieve my goals and was the best decision I made in my life.”

Onyeka was once quoted telling Laurier teammates to “enjoy it, live it up. You only have so many years at Lautier - and they go by fast”.

Recognizing his contribution to Laurier, varsity sport, the community and being a role model to young people, Onyeka was awarded induction to the prestigious Golden Hawks Hall of Fame. It’s a special kind of honor that trumps a championship or a trophy.

Onyeka was chosen to be among the Class of 2021. It’s a distinguished group of individuals, prominent in their time at Laurier. Included are members of the 2004 Yates Cup championship team, a builder/coach and five other athletes chosen from baseball, basketball, curling and football.

Created in 1986, the Laurier Golden Hawks Hall of Fame has recognized former outstanding contributions by athletes, coaches, teams, and individuals, during their years with post-secondary varsity sports and in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) league.

“I was at the gym when I had received a call from Peter Baxter, but I told him to call me back,” said Onyeka. “Later, I thought it must have been serious as I had been away from Laurier for several years. So, I quickly called him back and that’s when he said there was some great news he had wanted to share with me.

“He mentioned Hall of Fame and I was shocked. For a minute, I thought there were so many great athletes at Laurier, and I was picked. It’s something I may have dreamed of, but never expected.”

Onyeka, who has conducted several summer football camps in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, has some bigger plans. A trip to Nigeria, cut short because of the pandemic, is back on for 2022. He’s hoping to educate youngsters, in the most populous country in Africa, about the game of football, hoping to one day see a player also make it to the pro ranks.

David Grossman is a multi, award-winning communicator and storyteller with a distinguished career in Broadcasting, Journalism and Public Relations in Sport and Government Relations. He is the recipient of two major university award: the USports “Fred Sgambati Media Award” and the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Media Member of Distinction.