Nigeria earns International Recognition as IFAF upgrades membership status after Historic Flag Football achievement

Nigeria’s rise as Africa’s leading flag football nation has been officially recognised on the global stage after the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) upgraded the country from Allied Member to Associate Member during its 2025 Congress in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Delegates from 75 member federations across five continents gathered in the Olympic Capital, approving Nigeria’s upgraded status alongside American Samoa, Egypt, El Salvador, and Honduras.

The Congress also enacted major governance reforms focused on strengthening organisational leadership, boosting gender representation, and making full membership more accessible to developing federations.

Nigeria’s elevation comes on the back of a remarkable year of dominance in flag football. Both the men’s and women’s national teams won the first-ever IFAF Africa Flag Football Championships, making Nigeria the first African country to qualify for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships.

The teams will now compete against 15 other nations on the global stage, marking a major milestone not only for Nigeria but for the African continent.

Kenny Nwankwo, Head Coach and Quality Control Director of the Nigerian men’s flag football team, the recognition represents far more than a single achievement.

He said, “This IFAF upgrade reflects a whole lot more than a single moment of success. It recognizes the several years of steady vision, discipline, and institutional development that have shaped Nigeria’s path in flag football. NAFA has led this effort with consistency and purpose by developing the grassroots, empowering the best coaches, and trusting my leadership in assembling teams capable of delivering historic outcomes for our country.

“I also want to highlight the support and leadership of our General Manager, Bobby Okereke whose belief in our structure and in the work we are doing has strengthened every level of our program.

“As we enter this new phase, Nigeria’s progress must continue to be anchored in unity, excellence and a clear developmental mandate. NAFA has demonstrated the experience and credibility required to drive this sport forward, and with the right leadership and support, we are prepared to elevate Nigeria even further on the global stage.”

In its recognition statement, IFAF highlighted the Nigeria American Football Association’s (NAFA) efforts in advancing gender equality in sports, particularly through its Gridiron Gems Initiative.

Through partnerships with BROWNS NIGERIA and the BEMORE Empowered Foundation, NAFA introduced flag football to hundreds of girls at the 2025 BEMORE Summer Bootcamp, offering sports training alongside leadership and personal development skills.

The initiative forms part of NAFA’s ambitious plan, with BROWNS NIGERIA to engage 150,000 girls in flag football by 2030, strengthening grassroots participation and unlocking opportunities for young women in sports and leadership roles.

Nigeria’s new Associate Member status enhances its global standing and opens the door for expanded developmental support, increased international collaboration, and greater visibility at world-level competitions.

With qualification secured for the 2026 World Championships and recognition growing across the international American football community, Nigeria continues to position itself as a rising force in one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide.