President of the Nigerian Flag Football Federation, Azeez Amida, has expressed excitement over the inclusion of flag football as a demonstration sport at the 22nd National Sports Festival.
Speaking in an interview with Sports247, Amida described the development as the “biggest thing to ever happen” to the sport in Nigeria.
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“This is a major achievement,” Amida said. “We’re going to get to demonstrate this sport to all the sports commissioners and leaders in Nigeria. We’re really excited about it and looking forward to it.”
According to him, the Federation is ensuring full national representation with at least eight teams from states, including Abuja, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Ogun, and Lagos, set to participate. “We’re coming with teams from across geopolitical zones and we’ll be competing hard and fast in front of everyone,” he added.
Amida credited the recent growth to strong government collaboration, a rare feat for emerging sports in Nigeria. “Sometimes you do a lot of work and don’t get support. But we’ve done the work and we’ve been supported. That has been a big thing for us.”
Looking ahead, Amida emphasized long-term goals that stretch beyond the sport’s Olympic aspirations for 2028. “It’s about developing the sport here. We want to remain the biggest co-ed league in the world, and we’re currently setting up in Akwa Ibom and Ogun. More states are coming.”
On expectations as the sport goes national, Amida affirmed that the foundation laid in Lagos is now expanding through coordination with other states. “We’re in every geopolitical zone now. We prefer to let the results speak for us instead of making noise.”
Despite recent challenges, including the dismissal of six non-compliant teams, the league has grown stronger. “It’s been great. We have four new teams now and we plan to expand to 12 next season,” he noted. “Right now, we have one of the most organized leagues in Africa. I can tell you, maybe only the Basketball Africa League comes close.”
Amida concluded by reiterating the Federation’s commitment to consistency. “We will always keep this standard going, and no matter what, we keep doing it.”
Flag football’s National Sports Festival debut marks a turning point for the sport as it eyes even greater national and continental relevance.
