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About NAFA and its Mission
1. What is the Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA)?
NAFA is a Not for Profit organization founded in 2019 to promote and develop American football across Nigeria, including flag football and tackle formats.
2. Who founded NAFA and what inspired its creation?
NAFA was co-founded by Babajide Akeredolu, Seye Obatolu, Dominik Mueller, and Lawrence Ojaideh to use American football as a tool for youth empowerment and national development.
3. Is NAFA officially recognized as a Federation?
Yes NAFA is a Federation affiliated with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), it is an associate member and the only organization allowed to act on behalf of IFAF in Nigeria. It is also recognized as the Federation for American Football and Flag Football by the Nigeria Olympic Committee.
4. What are NAFA’s core objectives?
NAFA focuses on grassroots development, educational scholarships, league creation, and promoting safety culture through American football and until recently, manages the Nigerian National Team for Flag Football.
Programs, Leagues, and Achievements
5. What is the Nigeria Secondary School Flag Football League (NSSFFL)?
NSSFFL is NAFA’s flagship youth league that engages secondary schools across Nigeria in annual flag football tournaments.
6. What is the Aketi Bowl and why is it significant?
The Aketi Bowl is a prestigious championship under NSSFFL, named after Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and showcases top-performing school teams from across Nigeria.
7. Has Nigeria achieved any international success in American football?
Yes! In June 2025, Nigeria’s men’s and women’s flag football teams won the inaugural African Flag Football Tournament in Cairo, Egypt.
Partnerships, Growth, and Future Plans
8. Is NAFA affiliated with the National Football League (NFL)?
Yes, NAFA collaborates with NFL Africa in talent recruitment for its International Players Pathway (IPP) initiatives and has hosted NFL Flag events in Nigeria, including U12 and U14 tournaments.
9. Who is NAFA’s official ambassador?
NFL cornerback Jeff Okudah serves as NAFA’s ambassador, promoting youth engagement and visibility for American football in Nigeria.
NFL Player and New York Giants Linebacker, Bobby Okereke serves as the General Manager of the Flag football National Team.
10. What future initiatives are planned by NAFA?
NAFA is preparing for the 2026 IFAF World Championships, launching collegiate exhibition games, and organizing Tackle/Gridiron Football professionally in Nigeria.
11. How can young Nigerians get involved with NAFA?
Through school leagues, community programs, and tryouts for national teams, NAFA offers multiple entry points for aspiring athletes.
Global Recognition and Strategic Alliances
12. Is NAFA officially recognized by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF)?
Yes, NAFA is an associate member of IFAF, representing Nigeria in international competitions. NAFA has earned credibility through its consistent development efforts and was officially recognized by the National Olympic Council of Nigeria as the Federation for American football and all its variations.
13. What role did NAFA play in the 2025 African Flag Football Tournament?
NAFA organized and led Nigeria’s national teams to victory in both the men’s and women’s divisions at the inaugural IFAF African Flag Football Tournament in Cairo, Egypt.
Is NAFA Affliliated with the Nigeria Flag Football Federation?
No, NAFA is not affiliated with the Nigeria Flag Football Federation. While a website exists bearing this name, the organization is non existent and isn’t recognized by either the National Olympic Commitee, The National Sports Commission or the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). The international Federation only recognizes one Body per country and NAFA is the only recognized body for Flag Football in Nigeria
14. What is the nature of NAFA’s partnership with the Cleveland Browns?
In January 2025, NAFA entered a groundbreaking partnership with the Cleveland Browns to expand youth football programs in Nigeria. This includes coaching clinics, mentorship, and infrastructure development.
15. What is the ‘Gridiron Gems’ initiative launched by NAFA and the Browns?
‘Gridiron Gems’ is a joint program aimed at empowering women in flag football across Nigeria. It provides coaching, scholarships, and leadership training to foster female participation in the sport.