Sam Obisanya
The Nigerian midfielder whose performance anchored Ted Lasso's emotional core.
Sam Obisanya is a fictional character portrayed by British-Nigerian actor Toheeb Jimoh in the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso (2020–2023) and (2026-present). Within the show, he serves as a central figure whose performance earned Jimoh a Primetime Emmy Award nomination, a Screen Actors Guild Award win, and a Critic's Choice Breakthrough Award. The character was originally written as Ghanaian during the audition process, but his background was changed to Nigerian specifically to match Toheeb Jimoh's own heritage. His portrayal has been widely praised by critics and fans alike.
Quick Facts
- Show
- Ted Lasso
- Network
- Apple TV+
- Run dates
- (2020–2023) (2026-present)
- Actor
- Toheeb Jimoh
- Character origin change
- Changed from Ghanaian to Nigerian
Lore & Background
Sam Obisanya represents the heart of the AFC Richmond squad, a distinction that earned him the description of being the "heartbeat" of the show. Before his casting, the character of Sam was conceived with a Ghanaian background. However, during the audition process led by Toheeb Jimoh, the writers adjusted the script to make Sam Nigerian, aligning the role with the actor's real-life identity as someone born in Brixton, London, to parents of Nigerian descent who returned from Nigeria at age seven. This change grounded the character deeply in Jimoh's own cultural experience. The role became a breakthrough moment for Jimoh, launching him into significant recognition including a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Critic's Choice Breakthrough Award.
More in Characters & Personalities
Elsewhere in Ted Lasso
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