…Fields Three Teams To Represent Nigeria, Meets NSC Chairman, Director-General
The Nigeria American Football Association ( NAFA ) led by its President, Babajide Akeredolu on Tuesday visited the Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC) Mallam Shehu Dikko as part of its preparations ahead of the African tournaments in Egypt.
The team also met with the Director-General of the NSC, Hon Bukola Olopade.
At the two separate events held at the NSC office, National Stadium, Abuja, Akeredolu spoke about the level of preparedness of the Nigerian National team going for the African tournaments.
According to the President, three teams will be representing Nigeria at the African games in Egypt. The teams are; Male National team, Female National team and the U-13 team. He noted that Nigeria will be the only country outside of the host nation fielding two teams.
He explained that having three teams from Nigeria participating in the African tournament was a result of years of dedication and consistent work that’s being put into the development of the game since 2019.
His words:” We are here to intimate you about the fact that 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. This project that has led to over 17,000 kids that have gone through the league initiative over the past five years.”
Akeredolu also assured the NSC management that NAFA is optimistic of victory, adding that the team is eyeing representing Africa in the World Games slated for the United States next year and ultimately clinching a spot at the Olympics.
“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.
“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.“
Akeredolu explained the significance of the tournament and the Nigerian team’s preparedness for the event in Egypt. He stated: Since flag football became an Olympic sport, there has been a significant effort to establish continental games to improve Africa’s representation on the global stage. The collaboration of our federations has resulted in this notable event.
“All African countries came together to interface with the global body and now we have our first African tournament”.
The President and his team also unveiled the teams’ jerseys at the separate event noting to the excitement of the DG and Chairman that they were produced locally. He gave a detailed explanation of the efforts that have been put into place to ensure that the teams emerge victorious.
Akeredolu said:”We came here to unveil our jersey to the DG and tell him that we are fielding three teams for the competition- the main team which has been in camp for two months now, a female team and an U13 team who have been supported by our partners Nigeria American Football Outreach, Browns Nigeria and the NFL respectively.”
“We are quite optimistic and we believe that with the support and activities of many leagues in Nigeria, we have a lot of players that can give us a formidable National team”
Responding, the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko commended the NAFA leadership while wishing the team all the best in Egypt.
The Chairman charged the team to give their best and represent the country well by showcasing their talents in Flag Football.
On his part, the Director General of the NSC, Hon Bukola Olopade charged the team to do the country proud and return with flying colours.
Hon. Olopade said: “On this trip to Egypt I wish you guys well and I am more encouraged that you guys are very confident that our women team will win Gold. I am also very fascinated that you are taking U13 to this tournament. It’s in line with the Commission’s renewed hope vision to also start building for the future”.
Meanwhile, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayo Olawande who doubles as the Chairman of the Flag Football Development Board in his goodwill message urged the NAFA team to bring home the trophy.
He expressed his unshaken confidence in NAFA’s ability to break ground and make an impressive performance at the tournament.
On the NAFA team entourage were; the Vice President, Mr. Seye Obatolu and the coordinator of NAFA Gridiron Gems, Ms Nancy Damhindi.
Story in the news