Nigeria, June 16 -- For more than two decades, Ricky Weir's quest to reconnect with his Nigerian heritage remained a deeply personal journey marked by unanswered questions, painstaking research and emotional discoveries.

Today, the former president of the Jersey Football Association can finally call himself a Nigerian citizen.

The Scottish-born football administrator, philanthropist and author recently received his Nigerian passport, bringing to fruition a 26-year search to trace the roots of his late father, who was born in Nigeria.

Mr Weir, founder of the Jersey to Africa Football Foundation, arrived in Lagos last week to receive an award and continue his grassroots football development activities. But beyond football, the trip carri...