Editi Effiong to Direct New Film ”Backline” Inspired by African NFL Athletes

Nigerian director Editi Effiong is set to take on a new challenge with his latest project, “Backline”, a narrative feature that will explore the journey of African athletes breaking into American professional football.

Inspired by true stories of current NFL players, the film will highlight the experiences of two Nigerian friends aiming to achieve their dream of playing in the NFL.

Scheduled for production in 2025, “Backline” will be shot across Nigeria and the United States. Effiong, known for his work on “The Black Book” and “Up North”, will write and direct the film, which is backed by Joel Embiid’s Miniature Géant and Lebron James’ Uninterrupted athlete empowerment brand.

The film’s executive producers include two-time Super Bowl champion Osi Umenyiora, along with Effiong and Anakle Films.

With “Backline”, Effiong continues to push boundaries in storytelling, focusing on unique narratives that bridge African and global experiences.

Though the cast has not yet been announced, anticipation is building for the film’s release, given Effiong’s past successes in Nollywood and his growing international profile.