The Showtime Bowl Final delivered more than thrilling action on the field — it also won over a powerful new admirer. Musiliu Babatunde Obanikoro, a special guest at the championship game, described the experience as eye-opening and unforgettable after witnessing flag football live for the first time.
Speaking after the game in a post-match chat with Sports247, the former senator praised both finalists for producing what he called a completely new sporting spectacle, unlike anything he had previously encountered in Nigerian sports.
On the field, the final lived up to its hype as Warriors Flag Football defeated Lagos Athletic Knights 36–13 to retain the Showtime Bowl title.
The contest was far from straightforward, as the Knights struck first and dominated the opening quarter, briefly raising hopes of an upset before the Warriors regrouped and took full control of the game.
Obanikoro noted that the intensity, structure, and organisation of the event stood out, stressing that the league had clearly moved beyond being a novelty.
“This is a sport and a league that deserves more attention and support,” he said. “What I saw tonight — the discipline, excitement, and professionalism — shows that this can grow into something very big for Nigeria if given the right backing.”
The former senator also applauded the organisers for delivering a full-scale sporting experience, from match presentation to fan engagement, adding that such platforms create opportunities for young athletes and redefine how sports can be developed sustainably.
The evening concluded with a colourful medal and trophy presentation, capping a final watched by a packed arena and tens of thousands of viewers online, reinforcing the Showtime Bowl’s growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most compelling sporting events.
As the season draws to a close, the message from the stands and from influential voices alike is clear: flag football, powered by Showtime, is no longer on the sidelines of Nigerian sports — it is demanding a place at the center of the conversation.
