.…An Insightful Discussion with Babajide Akeredolu, President of NAFA (Extracted from Flag Football Nation 6th Edition – June 2024) In his office overlooking the streets of Lagos, Babajide Akeredolu sits poised, embodying passion and determination that has propelled flag football into the spotlight across Nigeria. As the President of the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA), Akeredolu has been instrumental in uniting and energizing the American football community in a country where soccer has long dominated the sports scene. In this interview with FFN he shares the remarkable journey of NAFA, the challenges overcome, and his ambitious vision for the future...
NAFA Partners with Cleveland Browns and NFL FLAG to Launch “ONE BALL, ONE FLAG, OUR FUTURE” Initiative.
The Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) and the Cleveland Browns will launch the "ONE BALL, ONE FLAG, OUR FUTURE" initiative in April 2026, distributing 2,000 footballs and 5,000 flags to promote American football among Nigerian youth. This program aims to significantly expand access to the sport across secondary schools nationwide.
NAFA Dominates Lagos with Historic Double-Header, Ushering in End-of-Year Celebrations
The Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) concluded 2025 with a dual-event celebration in Lagos, including a marathon and a tackle football exhibition. Sponsored by Browns Nigeria, the day highlighted community engagement and promoted fitness through the "Now We Move" campaign, fostering local interest in American football and women's participation in sports.
NAFA CELEBRATES CHAMPIONSHIP YEAR, GLOBAL RECOGNITION, AND 2026 ROADMAP AT FAME AWARDS & END-OF-YEAR PARTY
Lagos, Nigeria — The Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA) has successfully hosted the NAFA FAME Awards & End-of-Year Party, celebrating a landmark year that underscored Nigeria’s rapid rise within African and global American football and flag football. Held on 15 December 2025, the event brought together national team athletes, coaches, institutional partners, sports administrators, and key stakeholders from across the country. The evening featured a red-carpet reception followed by the presentation of the FAME Awards, during which over 20 awards were presented to deserving individuals and organisations spanning national team athletes, partner organisations and brands, as well as NAFA staff...
Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) Granted IFAF Associate Membership Following Landmark Year
The Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) has been approved as an Associate Member of the International Federation of American Football, making Nigeria the fourth African nation to receive this status. Notably, Nigerian teams excelled at the IFAF Africa Flag Football Continental Championships, winning gold. NAFA emphasizes gender equality and aims to empower 150,000 girls by 2030 through various initiatives.
NAFA Announces NSSFFL IV – Africa’s Largest Gathering for Flag Football
Founded in 2021, the Nigeria Secondary School Flag Football League (NSSFFL) has become the cornerstone of Flag Football development across Nigeria. To date, more than 14,000 students have participated in the program, and over 3,000 children from 11 states will compete to represent their states in the upcoming AKETI Bowl National Championships.
BEMORE and Gridiron GEMS – A win for Girl Empowerment with Flag Football
In an inspiring showcase of synergy between sports, education, and empowerment, the Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) and BROWNS NIGERIA through their Gridiron Gems Initiative partnered with the BEMORE Empowered Foundation to bring flag football to the 2025 BEMORE Summer Bootcamp. This collaboration aimed to provide young Nigerian girls with the tools, training, and confidence to lead both on and off the field. The partnership, which launched in August during the Bemore Summer Bootcamp which commenced on the 24th of August and ended on the 6th of September, represents a significant milestone in Gridiron Gems’ mission to take American flag...
The Gridiron GEMS Initiative – SHE HUDDLES; SHE WINS
On January 22, 2025, the Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) marked a new chapter as the Cleveland Browns, through their Nigerian operation BROWNS Nigeria announced a groundbreaking partnership aimed at expanding the growth and development of American football at the grassroots level. This collaboration was made possible through the National Football League (NFL)’s Global Markets Program, which granted the Browns official marketing rights in Nigeria. This partnership was built on the recognition that Nigeria holds a significant place in the global football community, with the highest representation of non-American minority groups in the NFL tracing their roots back to the...
NAFA Completes First ever Flag Football Exhibition for Colleges and Universities in Nigeria
The Nigeria Collegiate Flag Football League (NCFFL) held its inaugural exhibition on September 6th, 2025, at Unique Open University, featuring over 60 student-athletes from four institutions. Unique Open University won, and a cash prize of ₦1 million was awarded. NAFA aims to promote Flag Football as a key sport in Nigeria, envisioning future Olympians.
NAFA / BROWNS NIGERIA Gridiron Gems and BEMORE Empowered Foundation Unite to Champion Girls’ Empowerment Through Flag Football and Holistic Development
The Nigeria American Football Association and BROWNS NIGERIA have partnered with the Bemore Empowered Foundation to incorporate flag football into its curriculum, enhancing opportunities for girls. This collaboration aims to develop leadership, promote wellness, and empower young women through sports, STEM education, and mentorship, targeting significant female participation by 2030.