Nelson Lokombo, the second pick in the 2021 CFL Draft, registered his first pick on Saturday.
The 25-year-old safety figured prominently in a three-interception game by the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who defeated the B.C. Lions 28-19 in the CFL’s Western Semi-Final at Mosaic Stadium.
“It feels great to get the win in front of Rider Nation and to get my first pick means a lot,” said Lokombo, whose ice-breaking interception came in his 35th game of professional football.
“I’ve been through a lot. I’m glad to have been able to be in that position to make a play.”
Lokombo’s first season was over before it could begin. Shortly before training camp in 2021, he suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury.
He made his CFL debut in 2022, when he played in five regular-season games, and dressed for 11 more contests the following year.
After signing a new contract with Saskatchewan in January, he resolved to enjoy a breakthrough season.
Mission accomplished. He played in all 18 regular-season games, starting at safety for the final 17.
Along the way, he helped the Roughriders reach the playoffs for the first time since his draft year.
However, an interception was elusive until four minutes remained in Saturday’s game.
Lokombo stepped in front of a Vernon Adams Jr. pass at the Roughriders’ five-yard line and returned the ball to the home team’s 20.
“I saw the ball in the air and my eyes got all wide and I went, ‘Oh, it’s going to happen!’ ” the former University of Saskatchewan Huskies standout said. “I caught it and then I did not know what to do with the ball after.
“It felt good just being out there and finally having the ball in my hand and being able to make a play.”
Lokombo had made a key play earlier in the game, breaking up — and nearly intercepting — an Adams Jr. pass on Saskatchewan’s 31-yard line with just over three minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Miles Brown registered a sack on the next play, forcing the Lions to punt. The Roughriders then embarked on a 12-play, 74-yard drive that concluded with a 25-yard field goal by Brett Lauther, who created a 6-6 tie.
Asked about Lokombo, Head Coach Corey Mace smiled and said: “I thought he played one of his better games of the year.”
Mace made the comment shortly after noticing Lokombo sitting in the media room, patiently awaiting his turn while listening to the head coach address reporters.
“Ohhh, Nelly! There you go!” Mace exclaimed. “You’re hiding back there!
“I’m so happy for this man. There’s no better time.”
Lokombo is the 11th Roughrider to register his first interception in a playoff game or a Grey Cup. Here is the list:
Al Bodine: 1951 Western Final (Game 1)
Gordon Sturtridge: 1954 Western Semi-Final (Game 1)
Garner Ekstran: 1963 Western Semi-Final (Game 2)
Don Gerhardt: 1966 Grey Cup
Roy Robinson: 1972 Western Semi-Final
Dave Albright: 1989 Western Semi-Final
Bobby Perry: 2003 Western Semi-Final
Samuel Eguavoen: 2017 Eastern Semi-Final
Willie Jefferson: 2017 East Final
Nigel Harris: 2021 West Final
Nelson Lokombo: 2024 Western Semi-Final
