By Nancy Damhindi
Breaking Barriers, One Touchdown at a Time.
When this phrase was first coined as one of the defining ideas behind the Gridiron Gems Initiative, we did not imagine a setting where it would resonate so completely. Gridiron Gems was created with a clear purpose: to elevate the lives of girls and women across different facets of life through the game of American football using sport as a tool for developing leadership skills, building confidence, and defining what is within the confine’s possibility.
Some stories begin long before the whistle blows or a crowd gathers. They take shape quietly, in spaces far removed from stadium lights, where opportunity is scarce and hope must be nurtured with intention. At the Special Correctional Centre for Girls in Idi-Araba, Lagos – the Gridiron Gems Initiative found a profound expression of its purpose. This outreach was never just about introducing a sport; it was hinged on the radical idea that every girl, regardless of circumstance, deserves access to learn about teamwork, imbibe discipline in a way that is not already restrictive, and experience boundless joy.
A Different Kind of First
The Special Correctional Centre for Girls (SCCG) is a Lagos state government-run juvenile rehabilitation facility that supports girls who are in conflict with the law or require protective care. Its core mandate is reform, skills development, and social reintegration rather than punishment. Residents participate in structured routines, education, and supervised programs aimed at preparing them for a successful return to society.
Against this backdrop, flag football was introduced at the Centre – the first and only sport to be introduced to the center. For many of the girls, it marked their first experience with an organised team sport. Over a three-month period, bi-weekly training sessions were delivered by volunteer coaches from the Nigeria American Football Team, members of Nigeria’s National Women’s Flag Football Team and enthusiasts from the flag football Community in Lagos Nigeria. Training focused on the fundamentals like learning positions (Quarterback, receivers, centers etc.) and play processes like throwing, catching, route running, and flag pulling while also reinforcing communication, cooperation, and discipline.
Flag football is now included in the Centre’s weekly activities—making it the first sport ever institutionalised within the facility.
Despite limited resources, uneven field conditions, and regular changes in participation due to reintegration and transfers, the girls engaged with the programme with notable energy. Skills improved steadily, movements became more assured, and interactions evolved from hesitation to shared understanding of positions and play calls. Over time, the game created a common language, one that fostered connection, structure, and a sense of belonging within the Centre.
Ownership Before the Game
In a deliberate departure from conventional outreach models, the program integrated vocational skills already being taught at the Centre. Instead of receiving ready-made jerseys, the girls sewed their own. Over eighty jerseys were produced in total each one a symbol of ownership, patience, and pride.
This process transformed anticipation into participation. When the girls eventually took the field wearing jerseys they had created themselves, the message was clear: this was theirs.
More Than a Training Session
On activation day, the program unfolded in layers. An indoor fundamentals session introduced the rules and values of flag football. This was followed by team formation namely team Zircon, Ruby, Topaz, and Emerald and hours of guided drills and scrimmages.
What stood out was not just skill acquisition, but leadership. Girls encouraged one another, corrected mistakes, and stepped into captaincy roles organically. For many, it was the first time they were seen and trusted as leaders.
Continuity as Commitment
Perhaps the most powerful outcome of this outreach was what happened after the activation. Volunteers from the National Women’s Team returned bi-weekly for four months, sustaining training and mentorship. Over time, more than 200 girls passed through the program as new participants entered the system, and others were reintegrated into society.
Flag football is now included in the Centre’s weekly activities—making it the first sport ever institutionalised within the facility. Four footballs and a three full set of flags were donated to ensure continuity beyond the initial engagement
Why This Matters
Correctional centers are often framed around discipline alone. This program reframed the narrative showing that structure paired with empathy can unlock growth. Sport became a language of rehabilitation. Teamwork became a rehearsal for reintegration. Confidence became transferable.
The Head of the Centre acknowledged the program’s impact and affirmed its long-term value, reinforcing the belief that when girls are trusted with responsibility, they rise to meet it.
Looking Ahead
The Gridiron Gems Initiative believes this model should not be an exception. With improved resources basic sports gear, field maintenance, hydration support and sustained partnerships, similar programs can be replicated across correctional and underserved institutions nationwide. Because sometimes, all it takes is one touchdown to begin breaking a barrier.
About the Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA)
The Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) is Nigeria’s only National body dedicated to growing the game of American Football. Established in 2019, its vision is to create opportunities through the game of American football. Since its inception, To date, NAFA has introduced the game of American Football directly to over 10,000 young men and women in 18 States and over 300 schools and has led Nigeria to its first victory at the maiden Africa Continental Flag Football Championship games. NAFA is an Associate member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF).
For more information, contact press@nafa.ng
About Gridiron Gems Initiative
The Gridiron Gems Initiative is the flagship female-focused program of the Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) and Browns Nigeria, dedicated to advancing gender inclusion and unlocking leadership pathways for girls and young women in American football. Launched in 2025, Gridiron Gems exists to increase female participation in the sport not only on the field as athletes, coaches, and referees, but also off the field in leadership, media, and advocacy roles.
For more information, contact gems@nafa.ng
About The Special Correctional Centre for Girls, Idi Araba
The Special Correctional Centre for Girls in Idi‑Araba is a Lagos‑based juvenile facility that supports girls under 18 who are in conflict with the law. It focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment, offering education, counseling, and vocational training to help the girls build confidence and practical skills. Programs such as tailoring, weaving, and sanitary‑pad production empower them for future independence. The centre also partners with NGOs that provide mentorship and restorative‑justice initiatives aimed at reducing re‑offending and improving reintegration into society. Overall, it serves as a safe, structured environment dedicated to transforming young lives.
About BROWNS NIGERIA
As part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program, the Cleveland Browns are the first NFL team to be granted international marketing rights in Nigeria, aiming to grow the game of American football in the country as BROWNS NIGERIA, through fan engagement, marketing, and community initiatives, including partnering with the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA).
For more information, visit https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/fans/nigeria