Bimbo Bankole, manager of the Uprise Flag Football League has revealed plans to get more athletes in the game, League continuation in Nigeria and beyond with aim to get more African players into NFL.
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With over one hundred Nigerian players in the NFL, the Uprise Flag Football is looking to build platforms in Nigeria to help talented players grow and get into NFL, an initiative put together by Osi Umenyiora, pioneer of American football in Nigeria.
Giving detailed insight on the concept of the project, the inaugural league finals which is set to take place on August 6 as well as the next line of action after the conclusion of the season, Bankole took his time to explain all there is to know in an exclusive interview with Sports247.ng during a meet and greet conference held in Lagos.
Addressing why Lagos was chosen as the hosting venue for the first edition – “We choose Lagos because it made it a lot easier to centralize everyone and that helps to build from there but the expansion will be from we are here in Lagos but the reason is that; it’s the easiest, most conducive place to set up the league and a place you can build.”
Going back to the league founder and commissioner – “He saw an opportunity to give back and empower. Give back to young boys who are just like him growing up, he was opportuned to learn the sport at a latter stage with a Nigerian DNA. So what he wants to do now is to allow young boys like him to learn early, we are already dominating the NFL, over hundred of us (Nigerians) there so the domination can get better,” he emphasized.
“We have a lot of potential athletes in Nigeria, there’s a pool that needs to be tapped and with as many Nigerian players in the NFL, we are glad that one of them has carried the mantle alongside his friends to take the boys out of the country and give them a new life and learn the sport.”
Pioneered and led by Osi Umenyiora who is a two times Super Bowl champion, the former New York Giants defensive end is partnered by David Njoku who is currently plying his trade with Cleveland Browns, the owner of the Chiefs who will be playing in the finals.
Also Emmanuel Ogbah ( Naija Lions owner who plays for Miami Dolphins, Romeo Okwara of Detroit Lions, The tigers team owner and Maurice Jones Drew, the only American team owner who played for Jacksonville Jaguars owns the Yellow Trumpets.
Regarding plans for training the actors of the sports who have no prior knowledge – “For the coaches, we are very fortunate that Osi Umenyiora not only drives Uprise. He is the driving force behind NFL Africa, NFL Academy and anything related to NFL in Africa.”
“What that allows and enables us to do as a country and community is to tap to who we know which is Osi. Coaches, referees and sports therapist, trainers that wants to help put this children in right form will be trained,” Bankole assured.
“There will be training, classes and certifications which will allow the growth and empowerment of everyone in all level of the sport. Behind the scenes, off and on the pitch, players coaches, medics will all get proper training to be allowed in this community.”
Geared towards boys within the category 15-20, Bankole took time out to comment on the high level of parental support they have received so far.
“The level of acceptance from the parent has been amazing. They have seen what they are proud of, the discipline of thier children. American football is a discipline sport because it doesn’t teach and encourage one superstar.”
“It’s a team thing, so they’ve seen that thier children have come home and uniting together.”
“That’s one big thing that thier parent saw when we started coaching them and they have been able to support that for us. They have been able to encourage them to keep building together with thier pairs, understanding one another and learn from each other.”
“They have been able to give us all the support we need and we are glad that they are part of the whole journey,” he concluded.
With aim to connecting African players in the NFL to thier roots back home, the core focus is to showcase young, promising talents in Nigeria and Africa at large while also drawing the public attention to African athletes currently playing professional football in America.
