Efe Obada is the first player to reach the NFL through its International Pathway Program.

Now the Nigerian-born Carolina Panthers pass rusher is the program's first alum to win NFC defensive player of the week honors.

Making his regular-season debut Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, Obada finished with a sack and an interception in Carolina's 31-21 win.

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“Words can’t describe how I feel right now,” he said Sunday.

“I’ve been working my ass off, and I’ve been praying and I’ve been hoping that I do get an opportunity. When my name did get called, I just knew I had to make the most of it.”

Obada revealed earlier this month that he was a victim of human trafficking as a boy. He spent much of his childhood in Europe and was abandoned in London at the age of 10.

"I was young and I didn't have any say into what was happening in my life," Obada said. "I was ignorant to it."

He hasn't yet revealed many details of his ordeal.

"Some of the issues, I haven't dealt with," Obada said. "I haven't really taken time to understand.

"Right now I just want to focus on football and make the most of it."

Contributing: The Associated Press

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