Nigeria flag football star Anuoluwapo Bello has expressed confidence that the country can still achieve its ambition of competing at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Speaking in an interview with Sports247, Bello discussed Nigeria’s Olympic hopes, the growth of flag football in the country and the increasing opportunities available to players.
Bello, who plays as a quarterback for Abia Warriors in the Showtime Flag Football League, acknowledged that Nigeria faces a tougher road after missing the opportunity to compete at the 2026 World Championships in Germany due to visa issues.
Despite the setback, she believes the team can still achieve its Olympic dream.
“It’s going to be a bigger job,” Bello said while discussing the qualification process.
The flag football player also made it clear that representing Nigeria at the Olympics remains one of her major ambitions.
“I want to go to the Olympics,” she said.
Bello also reflected on how much flag football has developed in Nigeria in recent years.
According to her, the sport has gradually moved beyond being seen mainly as a recreational activity, with leagues such as Showtime providing players with a more competitive environment and greater exposure.
She also noted that the growing popularity of the sport has helped fans become more familiar with the players, particularly through social media and live games.
Bello believes more can still be done to attract fans and increase awareness of flag football in Nigeria.
Her rise in the sport has also seen her become part of the national team setup. In 2025, Bello played a key role as Nigeria’s women defeated Morocco 26–12 to win the inaugural African Flag Football Championship. She scored two second-half touchdowns in the victory.
With flag football set to make its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028, Bello is determined to be part of the Nigerian team that could make history by competing at the Games.
For her, the challenges ahead have only made the target clearer: keep working, keep improving and continue pushing for an Olympic place.
