Dwayne Johnson Stars As ‘Okoye’ In New Movie

Nigeria is on the world map again as Hollywood actor, Dwayne Johnson popularly known as ‘The Rock’ stars as Davis Okoye in his new blockbuster ‘Rampage’.

The actor said he named his character ‘Okoye’ after his all-time favourite NFL player Christian Okoye, a Nigerian-American and former American football fullback for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1987 to 1992.

Okoye, 56, was nicknamed the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ and known for his powerful running style and ability to break tackles.

In response to a tweet by a Nigerian man Wale Adetona, The Rock explained how he came about the character.

“Yes sir, happy you picked up on that. Since my character was adopted by a Nigerian family, I wanted his last name to pay homage to one of my all time fav @NFL football players – the “Nigerian Nightmare” Christian Okoye. Enjoy Rampage”, the superstar actor tweeted on Wednesday, April 11, 2018.

Yes sir, happy you picked up on that. Since my character was adopted by a Nigerian family, I wanted his last name to pay homage to one of my all time fav @NFL football players – the “Nigerian Nightmare” Christian Okoye. Enjoy Rampage ?? https://t.co/08OixZNKet

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 11, 2018

The legendary NFL player also acknowledged the honour, describing it as “awesome”.

“I love it! That’s awesome my friend! Thanks for thinking of me, I love your work, I am a big fan”, Okoye responded.

I love it! That’s awesome my friend! Thanks for thinking of me, I love your work, I am a big fan ??

— Christian Okoye (@ChristianOkoye) April 11, 2018