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.
Opening Speech for Gridiron GEMS X BEMORE Empowered Foundation 2025 Summer Bootcamp
The Nigeria American Football Association's Gridiron Gems Initiative aims to empower Nigerian girls through American football by increasing female participation and training. Partnering with the Bemore Empowered Foundation, the initiative promotes leadership, coaching, and refereeing skills, with goals to engage 150,000 girls and create an all-star league by 2030.
Level Up Series: Empowering Athletes with Personal Branding and Storytelling
The Level Up Series began on August 17th, attracting over 70 athletes focused on enhancing personal branding and storytelling skills. Experts shared valuable insights, and participants engaged in practical presentations. The second session will feature notable speakers and allow those who missed the first to join, promoting inclusivity for athlete success.
Gridiron Gems Welcomes Brila Media Group as Zircon Partners
The Gridiron Gems Initiative has partnered with Brila Media Group to enhance the visibility of women in Nigerian American football. This collaboration aims to empower young female athletes through various events and storytelling, promoting gender equity and inspiring the next generation. Together, they are fostering a brighter future in sports for women.
NAFA Holds Strategic Meeting with the Cleveland Browns
NAFA deepens its partnership with the Cleveland Browns! During a strategic visit to Berea, Ohio, NAFA President Babajide Akeredolu met with CMO Brent Rossi, VP Renee Harvey, and Browns Nigerian operations coordinator Nayeli Pozuelos to discuss grassroots development and global engagement.The Browns also donated equipment to support NAFA’s youth flag football leagues. A new chapter in Nigerian-American football collaboration is unfolding! 🏈🌍 #NAFAxBrowns #FlagFootballNigeria #FlagFootball #BrownsNigeria #HuddleWay
Nigeria’s Flag Football Momentum Gains Global Spotlight in New York Times Feature
The Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) has once again made headlines—this time in one of the world’s most prestigious publications, The New York Times. In a recent article spotlighting NFL legend and Global Flag Football Ambassador Osi Umenyiora, NAFA’s leadership in shaping the future of American football in Africa was front and center. The piece chronicles Umenyiora’s transformation from Super Bowl champion to international advocate, underscoring his deep ties to Nigeria and commitment to expanding football’s reach across the continent. But what truly stands out is NAFA’s pivotal role—not only as the recognized federation for flag football but also as...
NIGERIA TO REPRESENT AFRICA AT THE UPCOMING WORLD GAMES IN DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY
PRESS STATEMENT By the President of the Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) Date: 31 July 2025 The Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) is thrilled to inform the Nigerian public of a groundbreaking development in the international flag football community. Today, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), in collaboration with the NFL and the City of Düsseldorf, officially announced that Düsseldorf, Germany will host the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships from August 13th to 16th, 2026. This announcement marks a pivotal moment in the global rise of flag football—a sport growing in popularity and poised for its Olympic debut...