The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots sports development and sustainable podium performances at the Olympics, starting with Los Angeles 2028.
NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, represented by Senior Special Adviser Bar. Musa Amadu, made this declaration while hosting a delegation from the Showtime Flag Football League (SFFL), the premier organizers of flag football in Nigeria.
Recognizing flag football’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games, the NSC pledged to support efforts to professionalize the sport, expand its reach at the grassroots level, and establish a national Flag Football Federation.
This move is essential for Nigeria’s affiliation with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and future Olympic participation.
“We have noted the progress of flag football globally, and everything you need from us to make this sport a stronger force in Nigeria, we will provide,” Amadu stated.
“We are impressed that you already have a functional flag football arena in Lekki, and we want to collaborate to give the sport a national outlook.”
The NSC emphasized its focus on youth development, with plans to integrate flag football into primary school programs through partnerships with organizations such as the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), the Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA), and the Nigeria Polytechnic Games Association (NIPOGA).
“It is at the grassroots level that the future of sports is assured. This is a new sport, and we must start developing young talents early.
Nurturing them properly will create opportunities for international exposure and potential revenue generation,” he added.
To strengthen Nigeria’s bid for Olympic participation, the NSC stressed the importance of consolidating existing flag football leagues under a structured federation, a prerequisite for IFAF affiliation.
The sport could also be showcased as a demonstration event at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta 2025 and NUGA 2025.
“Myself and the DG, Hon. Olapade, will liaise with the relevant departments to explore flag football’s inclusion as a demonstration sport at the National Sports Festival and NUGA this year,” Amadu confirmed.
The SFFL delegation, led by CEO Manal Nassar, included Folajimi Akinsola (representing the Chairman), Adebare Adejumo (Commissioner), and Esther Kalu (Head of Communication). They presented their vision for evolving into a federation, securing IFAF recognition, and driving grassroots development.
“For us to participate at the Olympics, we must compete in IFAF tournaments. To do that, we need to be a Federation,” Akinsola explained.
“Becoming a Federation will also enable us to implement proper grassroots development.”
With the NSC’s backing, flag football in Nigeria is poised for rapid growth, paving the way for Olympic representation and greater national recognition.
