In a spirited endorsement of Nigeria’s growing flag football movement, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has expressed strong support for a potential synergy between the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA) and Showtime—a leading promoter of the sport in the country.
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Speaking during the official unveiling of Team Nigeria’s competition jerseys ahead of the IFAF Africa Flag Football Continental Games in Egypt, Olopade commended NAFA for its rapid development of the sport and urged collaboration to build a national league structure.
“I must thank you and your team for the kind of aggressive publicity and glamour you are creating around flag football in Nigeria,” the DG remarked. “I believe there is a realistic possibility of a synergy being created that will glue NAFA and Showtime together in order to have a robust league round the country.
If this can eventually happen and you guys come together, this sport will take Nigeria by storm—I have no doubt.”
The DG also lauded NAFA’s initiative to include a female and U13 team in the continental event, saying it aligns with the Commission’s vision of grassroots development and long-term sporting excellence.
“On this trip to Egypt, I wish you guys well, and I’m encouraged by your confidence, especially in the women’s team. Taking an U13 team to this tournament is in line with our renewed hope vision to start building for the future,” Olopade said.
NAFA President and founder, Babajide Akeredolu, emphasized the historic nature of the upcoming tournament, noting that Nigeria will field three teams: the main national side, a female squad, and an U13 developmental team.
He highlighted the readiness of the teams and the importance of building a pipeline of talent through the support of leagues like Showtime, the Abuja Flag Football League, and others across the country.
Nigeria will compete alongside top African nations such as Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa, Senegal, Ghana, Uganda, and hosts Egypt in the two-day tournament scheduled for June 20–21, 2025.
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