The Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) and BROWNS NIGERIA, through their flagship women’s initiative—the Gridiron Gems Program—is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the Bemore Empowered Foundation, a leading force in girl-child empowerment in Nigeria. This collaboration marks a bold step toward expanding opportunities for young women by integrating flag football into Bemore’s transformative curriculum and extending support to the Bemore Sisters Network.
This partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to empower, educate, and elevate Nigerian girls through sport, technology, and leadership. By introducing flag football to Bemore participants, Gridiron Gems will:
- Foster teamwork, discipline, and resilience
- Promote physical wellness and mental strength
- Create pathways for female representation in sports leadership
“This partnership is a celebration of what’s possible when vision meets action. Bemore has built a legacy of empowering girls, and Gridiron Gems is proud to add the power of sport to that journey,” said Babajide Akeredolu, NAFA President.
“We’re following our plan to introduce the sport to as many young women as possible and broadening their minds about the opportunities that exist in American football; a sport that many of them are unfamiliar with,” said Nancy a Damhindi, Program Coordinator for the Gridiron Gems Initiative. “Through this collaboration with Bemore, we’re laying a foundation that will help these girls step into the game not just as players, but as young pioneers of the sport in their respective communities.”
In turn, Bemore will continue to provide its robust training in STEM, solar technology, ICT, and entrepreneurship, ensuring that girls are not only physically empowered but also intellectually and economically equipped to lead.
Areas of Synergy
- Leadership Development: Both programs prioritize cultivating confident, capable young women ready to lead in their communities.
- Grassroots Engagement: Bemore’s extensive reach across Nigeria complements Gridiron Gems’ goal of engaging 150,000 females in American football by 2030.
- Capacity Building: Joint clinics and mentorship sessions will support the certification of female coaches, officials, and program ambassadors.
- Advocacy & Inclusion: Together, the organizations will amplify awareness around gender equity, safeguarding, and wellness in sports and education.
This partnership directly supports the Gridiron Gems’ six pillars—especially in Player Participation, Training, and Scholarship Empowerment. By 2030, NAFA aims to:
- Certify 10,000 female coaches and officials
- Empower 250 girls in leadership roles
- Launch 50 grassroots initiatives nationwide
“We believe in raising girls who are not just skilled, but unstoppable. Flag football brings a new dimension to our mission, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with NAFA to make it happen,” added Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, Founder of Bemore Empowered Foundation.
The Bemore Sisters Network will serve as a vital platform for sustaining engagement, mentorship, and community impact beyond the bootcamp experience.
For more information or to support the Gridiron Gems Initiative, please contact Nancy Damhindi at gems@nafa.ng.
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 BEMORE Empowered Foundation
The BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation is dedicated to equipping young girls, including those with disabilities, with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive. Its mission focuses on STEM + entrepreneurship education, leadership development, and advocating for gender equality. Key programs include the BEMORE Summer Bootcamp, which provides STEM training, laptops, and solar systems; the Inclusive Empowerment Initiative for hearing-impaired girls; mentorship programs; and community engagement projects. Since its inception, BEMORE has empowered over 3000 girls to pursue STEM careers, start businesses, and advocate for equality, envisioning a future where every girl exceeds societal expectations and leads with confidence.
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
