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The American Football Association of Nigeria, also known as the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA), is a private organization dedicated to promoting and developing American football across Nigeria.
| Founders | Babajide Akeredolu Seye Obatolu |
|---|---|
| Type | Federation |
| Registration no. | CAC/IT/NO151819 |
| Focus | Flag Football, North American Football (Tackle), Referees & Coach Development |
| Location |
|
Area served | Nigeria |
| Method | Capacity Building, League Development, Player Pathways, Sports Development |
| Affiliations | IFAF NFL Nigeria School Sports Federation Gridiron Imports |
| Website | nafa |
Established in 2019, NAFA operates as an associated member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) representing Nigeria though they are not officially recognized as the governing body of American Football by the Nigerian government.[1]
History
editNAFA was founded in November 2019 by Babajide Akeredolu, alongside co-founders Obatolu Oluwaseye from the United Kingdom and Dominik Mueller from Germany and Lawrence Ojaideh who currently serves as the Secretary general of the organization.[2] The organization's primary mission is to utilize American football as a vehicle for personal and national development, emphasizing grassroots participation, educational scholarships, and community outreach initiatives.[3]
Key initiatives and achievements
edit- NSSFFL: NAFA organizes the Nigerian Secondary School Flag Football League (NSSFFL) which brings athletes from different states in Nigeria to participate in Flag football tournaments. [4]This annual tournament aims to develop the sport among young Nigerians and provides opportunities for scholarships and talent recognition.[5]
- League Development: NAFA is committed to establishing and sustaining a professional American football league in Nigeria, with plans for regional conferences and international competition.
- Grassroots Development: The organization promotes the inclusion of American football in Nigeria's educational curriculum to foster grassroots development.[3]
- AKETI BOWL- The AKETI BOWL, is a prestigious event within the Nigeria Secondary Schools Flag Football League (NSSFFL). The last championship (Season II) was hosted in Ondo State.[6] In this championship, Government Secondary School (GSS), Eket, Akwa Ibom State, emerged victorious in the boys' category by defeating Government Science Secondary School, Pyakasa, Abuja. wide. [7]
Recognition and impact
editNAFA's efforts have led to a significant increase in the popularity and presence of American football across Nigeria. The organization's focus on promoting safety culture and positive youth engagement has garnered recognition from national and international partners with its actions leading to selection of Jeff Okudah as the first NFL Player Ambassador to NAFA [8] [9]
In 2023 the organization was invited by the National Football League to bring an U12 Flag Football team to the 2023 NFL Flag Championships at the Probowl.[10]
In June 2024, NAFA organized the first ever NFL Flag U14 Tournament in Nigeria during the NFL expansion program to Nigeria. The competition involved 12 schools from the states of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo. [11][12]
References
edit- ^ "IFAF Member Federations, Africa, Nigeria". International Federation of American Football.
- ^ "NAFA's capacity development programme for coaches, referees begins August 1". The Guardian Nigeria News. July 29, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
- ^ Oluwalowo, Tosin (11 April 2020). "American football league to kick off in Nigeria by March". The PUNCH Newspaper. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
- ^ "NAFA Offers U.S. Scholarships to 36 Football Players". The Guardian. May 28, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
- ^ "NSSFFL: 75 Secondary Schools from 7 States Set for Football League in Ondo". Tribune Online. July 31, 2023. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
- ^ "GSS Eket, African Church Grammar School Emerge Winners of Aketi Bowl". Sun News Online. August 6, 2023. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
- ^ "Jeff Okudah Becomes Nigeria's First Ambassador". International Federation of American Football. July 14, 2023. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
- ^ "Akeredolu pledges support for Nigerian American Football Association". Nigerian Tribune. 14 January 2020. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
- ^ "2024 NFL Pro Bowl Championship: NAFA to organise qualifiers for schools". The Guardian Nigeria News. September 19, 2023. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
- ^ "NFL's Africa Program Expands to Nigeria". NFL Communications. June 14, 2024. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
- ^ "Nigerian American Football Association Champions the growth of American Football in Nigeria". Nigerian American Football Association. June 15, 2024. Retrieved June 22, 2024.