3 teams to represent Nigeria at inaugural African Continental Flag Football Tournament

The Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) is brimming with confidence as it prepares to send three national teams to the inaugural African Continental Flag Football Tournament in Egypt.

The association, led by President Babajide Akeredolu, aims to secure a spot for Nigeria at the 2026 World Games in the United States and ultimately, the Olympics, following flag football inclusion as an Olympic sport.

Akeredolu made the declaration when he and his team visited the Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, at the National Stadium, Abuja.

The purpose of the visit was to brief the NSC leadership on Nigeria's preparedness for the continental tournaments.

Akeredolu announced that Nigeria will be represented by three teams, the Male National team, the Female National team, and an U-13 team.

He highlighted that Nigeria will be the only country, aside from the host nation Egypt, to field three teams.

"Three teams will be going to Egypt. Male national team, female national team and under-13 which is as a result of the work we have been doing since 2019 in collaboration with Nigeria School Sports Federation," Akeredolu stated.

He added that this grassroots initiative has seen over 17,000 children participate in flag football leagues over the past five years.

Akeredolu expressed NAFA's optimism for victory, emphasising the goal of representing Africa at the World Games in the United States next year.

The World Games are an international multi-sport event for sports not contested in the Olympic Games, held every four years.

However, with flag football now an Olympic sport, success at the African level is crucial for Olympic qualification.

"We are ready and one of the few countries that have established leagues dotted around. We have leagues in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun. We have built a pipeline for talent," he said.

He continued, "We are hoping that we will be the country that will represent Africa in the world game which is slated for next year in the United States."

The African Continental Flag Football Tournament, also known as the IFAF Africa Flag 2025, is scheduled to take place from June 20 to 21, 2025, at the Club One Maadi Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.

Nigeria's men's team is in Group A alongside hosts Egypt, Cameroon, and South Africa.