Discover how University of Lagos student Qasim Abdullah went from trying flag football for the first time at an NCFFL campus outreach to becoming a Lagos Mavericks starter and earning a place at the Nigeria’s national team trials.
NCFFL Spotlight | Featuring Qasim Abdullah
For Qasim Abdullah; sport has always been more than a hobby, it’s been part of who he is. The final-year University of Lagos student has represented his university across multiple disciplines, including taekwondo and swimming, constantly embracing new challenges and pushing himself to grow as an athlete.
So when the Nigeria Collegiate Flag Football League (NCFFL) introduced flag football to the University of Lagos during a campus outreach in July 2025, Qasim saw another opportunity to test himself. What began as curiosity quickly became a journey of remarkable growth. Within a year, he represented UNILAG at the inaugural NCFFL Flag Football Showcase, earned a place with the Lagos Mavericks, developed into a starter, and even reached the final stages of Nigeria’s national team selection.
We caught up with Qasim to reflect on his journey so far, the mindset that drives him, and why he believes he’s only just getting started.
Sport has clearly been a big part of your life. Where did your love for sports begin?
Qasim: I’d say my parents deserve the credit. They introduced my siblings and me to sports from a very young age. We started with swimming and taekwondo in primary school, and what began as extracurricular activities gradually became something I genuinely loved.
You’ve represented UNILAG in sports like taekwondo and swimming. What motivates you to keep trying new sports?
Qasim: One thing I always tell myself is that there’s no sport that can’t be learned. Of course, some people have extraordinary talent, but as long as it’s a sport, I believe I can learn it.
I enjoy new experiences, and every sport teaches me something different. Swimming built my stamina, taekwondo improved my footwork, volleyball and basketball sharpened my hand-eye coordination, and even the little track training I’ve done helped with my speed. All of those experiences have contributed to how quickly I’ve been able to develop in flag football.
Before NCFFL visited UNILAG, had you heard of flag football?
Qasim: Definitely. One of my close friends had already been playing for about two years, so I knew a little about it. I’ve also always loved American football, but I’d never really considered playing because of how physical it is and the injuries you see.
When I found out flag football offered the strategy and excitement of the game without the heavy tackling, I thought, “Why not? Let’s do it.”
What made you step onto the field during the NCFFL campus outreach instead of watching from the sidelines?
Qasim: It was an opportunity I couldn’t let pass me by. If I’m interested in something, I’m all in. Watching from the sidelines has never really been my style.
You represented UNILAG at the inaugural NCFFL Flag Football Showcase not long after discovering the sport. What do you remember most from that experience?
Qasim: Looking back now, it’s funny how far I’ve come in such a short time. I remember my coach, Larry, who’s still my coach with the Lagos Mavericks, getting on me because I couldn’t even run a proper wheel route.
We lost both games that day, but honestly, it motivated me. I hate losing, and those moments made me want to become a much better player.
Was there a particular moment when you realized you wanted to take flag football seriously?
Qasim: I can’t point to one exact moment, but I do remember looking around the field and seeing players who were clearly ahead of me. I remember watching Monye and thinking, “What does he have that I don’t?”
It wasn’t discouraging, it challenged me. From that point on, my mindset was simple: Watch out. I’m going to get there too.
How did joining the Lagos Mavericks happen?
Qasim: The Mavericks were one of the teams leading the training sessions at UNILAG. I actually had interest from two other teams as well, but I’d already spent time working with the Mavericks’ coaches and players.
I connected with the team, and choosing them just felt right.
You’ve gone from a beginner to a starter in a relatively short time. What’s been the biggest factor in your development?
Qasim: Practice. I genuinely believe there’s nothing that can’t be learned.
I was always looking for extra reps, team practices, extra sessions, and organized scrimmages, including the sessions at Banana Island. Getting to compete against different players and learn from different coaches really accelerated my growth.
I don’t consider myself a natural talent. I just work at it.
Did your background in other sports help you adapt to flag football?
Qasim: Absolutely. Every sport I’ve played gave me something I could bring into flag football. Looking back now, I don’t think I would’ve developed this quickly without those experiences.
You made the trials for Nigeria’s national team this year. Although you didn’t make the final squad, what did that experience teach you?
Qasim: People say the difference between those who made the final squad and those who didn’t is very small.
For me, it simply meant I wasn’t good enough yet and that’s okay.
I’ve only just started playing this sport. My goal now is to reach the point where it’s undeniable that I deserve to be on that team.
What goals have you set for yourself moving forward?
Qasim: I know people expect me to say I want to win championships or make the national team next year.
Honestly, my biggest goal is much simpler than that.
I just want to be better.
And I will be better.
What would you say to students across Nigeria who are discovering flag football through NCFFL for the first time?
Qasim: Flag football is fun, but it’s also incredibly competitive.
You get to decide which part matters more to you.
But one thing I’m certain of is this, you won’t regret giving it a try.
Rapid Fire with Qasim Abdullah
🏈 Toughest opponent you’ve faced so far and what made them so difficult?
Qasim: There are a lot of great players in the league, and I don’t always play the same position. But the most annoying defender I’ve gone up against has to be Ubana from the Spartans. Funny enough, that was all the way back in Season 2!
🏈 Toughest opponent you’ve faced so far and what made them so difficult?
Qasim: There are a lot of great players in the league, and I don’t always play the same position. But the most annoying defender I’ve gone up against has to be Ubana from the Spartans. Funny enough, that was all the way back in Season 2!
🏈 Which player’s game do you admire the most, and what’s one thing you’ve tried to learn from them?
Qasim: I learn from a lot of players, but I’d say Nedy’s style of play really stands out. His route running and juking ability are on another level. I’m definitely still working on adding those to my game.
🏈 When people hear the name Qasim Abdullah, what do you hope they remember?
Qasim: One of the greats in this game.
🏈 Finish this sentence: “I’m just getting started because…”
Qasim: …the potential is limitless.
🏈 One teammate you’d trust to catch the game-winning touchdown and why?
Qasim: Can I say myself?
But if I have to pick someone else, I’d go with Ahyat. He’s the Robin to my Batman, after all.
🏈 What do you do when you’re not playing flag football?
Qasim: Sports will always be my first love, but outside of that, I’m always looking for my next adventure. I love trying new experiences, and I enjoy parties too especially raves. Some people might even call me a party animal.
Final Whistle
Less than a year ago, Qasim Abdullah stepped onto a flag football field for the first time during an NCFFL campus outreach at the University of Lagos. Today, he’s a starting player for the Lagos Mavericks and has already competed for a place on Nigeria’s national team.
His story is a reminder that talent is only one part of the journey. Curiosity, consistency, and the willingness to keep learning can take you much further than you imagine.
As NCFFL continues to bring flag football to campuses across Nigeria, more students will discover the sport for the first time. Some will come to have fun. Others will come to compete.
And for a few, just like Qasim, that first practice could be the beginning of something extraordinary.
After all, every athlete starts somewhere.
Author: Jesunifemi Tenten Asoore Coordinator, Nigeria Collegiate Flag Football League.