University of San Francisco Athletics

Nze Joseph Onukwufor Njoku-Obi was born on March 19, 1933, in Oweri, Nigeria. Joe Njoku-Obi attended Saint Patrick’s High School, and was a transfer student to USF from Seattle Pacific College. In his first varsity game against the alumni, he received the season’s first “Sweat Sock” Award for outstanding play as a rookie. His agility contributed largely to his capturing a spot in the starting line-up, and he became known as the “Nigerian Flash.” He played for USF from 1955-1956.

In 1955, the team won its eighth consecutive NCISC Championship. In the final game of the season against San Francisco State, Njoku-Obi ended the regular season with 21 goals in 6 games. In post-season, he added another 2 goals place among the top four all-time scoring leaders. He was named First team All-American. Coach Gus Donoghue said, “Joe is a great team player. He can shoot well with either foot, but if he sees a teammate who is in the clear for a shot, he will pass the ball to him (USF Athletics).” Donoghue also said that Njoku-Obi had one of the hardest shots of any college player he’d ever seen.

In 1956, Njoku-Obi went on to be the league’s top scorer as USF won its 9th consecutive NCISC title, despite injuries to two key players. Njoku-Obi’s play included goals from 15, 20 and 25 yards out. That year he made All-League First Team and Second Team All-American. Donoghue stated, “Joe is an All-American in the truest sense; his natural ability coupled with his unselfish team play was a decisive factor in the Dons ninth consecutive league title win (USF Athletics).” Njoku-Obi shared in the Senior Award given to the player who contributes the most to the success of the team.

Njoku-Obi earned his Bachelor’s degree at USF and then a Master’s at UC Berkeley. He worked as a Loan Officer for more than 35 years and retired in 2003. As he had in sports, he received multiple awards and commendations in business.