.…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 of flag football in Nigeria.
The year 2019 marked a significant milestone with the establishment of NAFA, which emerged from a collective desire among American football enthusiasts across Nigeria to unite and formalize their passion. “NAFA was born out of a necessity to consolidate efforts within the American football community,” recalls Akeredolu. “Our aim was to provide a structured platform where players, coaches, and enthusiasts could collaborate and grow the sport together.” This initiative not only brought organization to the emerging American football landscape in Nigeria but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among its members.
President Akeredolu’s extensive experience in non-profit organizations, and a deep commitment to youth empowerment, has positioned him to head NAFA. He expressed his conviction that American football, beyond being a vehicle for leisure or entertainment, it could also promote health, unity, diversity, development, and livelihood. “Steering NAFA allowed me to direct my enthusiasm towards creating real-world benefits for Nigerian youth and communities,” he stated.
NAFA has achieved remarkable milestones in advancing flag football throughout Nigeria. One of the standout achievements is the establishment and expansion of the Nigerian Secondary School Flag Football League, a cornerstone of NAFA’s commitment to youth development and grassroots engagement. Akeredolu emphasizes the league’s extraordinary growth trajectory, which has transcended boundaries to encompass multiple states and engage hundreds of schools and thousands of young athletes nationwide.
This structured league not only serves as a platform for cultivating sporting talent but also plays a pivotal role in instilling essential values such as discipline, teamwork, and leadership among Nigerian youth. Through strategic partnerships and dedicated outreach efforts, NAFA has successfully integrated American football into the fabric of secondary school sports, fostering a culture of competitiveness and camaraderie among participants. Akeredolu underscores the league’s broader impact on community cohesion and educational outcomes, highlighting how participation in organized sports enhances academic performance and promotes holistic development.
NAFA’s initiatives within the Secondary School Flag Football League have set new benchmarks for sports inclusion and accessibility, providing opportunities for young athletes from diverse backgrounds to showcase their skills and pursue athletic excellence. As the league continues to broaden its footprint and influence across Nigeria, Akeredolu remains steadfast in his commitment to nurturing the next generation of flag football enthusiasts and preparing them for success both on and off the field.
Introducing a new sport in a nation where soccer reigns supreme has posed significant challenges for NAFA. “From logistical hurdles to financial constraints, we encountered various obstacles along the way,” admits Akeredolu. Despite these challenges, he underscores NAFA’s resilience and determination in navigating through them. Through strategic partnerships forged with local and international entities, community mobilization efforts, and empowering grassroots initiatives, NAFA has steadily overcome these initial barriers.
Akeredolu attributes much of NAFA’s progress to the unwavering perseverance and dedication of its team. “Our collective commitment has been instrumental in propelling our growth and ensuring our sustainability,” he reflects. By fostering a culture of resilience and innovation within the organization, NAFA has been able to adapt its influence and promote the sport of flag football effectively. As the organization gains momentum, Akeredolu remains optimistic about the future, noting that NAFA’s strategic approach and steadfast determination will pave the way for further success in the dynamic landscape of Nigerian sports.
Looking ahead, Akeredolu envisions a dynamic future for flag football in Nigeria. “Our goal is to establish a robust national league and elevate Nigerian athletes onto the global stage,” he declares. Initiatives such as the Gridiron Gems program, aimed at nurturing female talent in American football, underscore NAFA’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. “We aim to create pathways for young women to excel in a traditionally male-dominated sport,” Akeredolu explains. Additionally, expanding coaching clinics, enhancing infrastructure, and forging international partnerships are pivotal to realizing NAFA’s long-term aspirations.
Beyond its athletic achievements, flag football has fostered social cohesion and community integration in Nigeria. Akeredolu emphasizes, “The sport transcends cultural and socio-economic barriers, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds under a common passion.” NAFA’s extensive outreach initiatives extend into underserved communities, where they have established a meaningful presence.
“In these communities, flag football serves not only as a recreational activity but also as a vehicle for positive social change,” he notes. NAFA’s programs offer young people constructive activities and mentorship opportunities, nurturing holistic development that extends beyond the boundaries of the playing field. By focusing on inclusivity and empowerment, NAFA aims to instill values of teamwork, leadership, and resilience among participants, thereby contributing to a more cohesive and integrated society.
Through these efforts, NAFA continues to leverage the power of sport as a tool for community engagement and social impact, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose among Nigerians of all backgrounds. As they expand their reach and deepen their commitment to grassroots development, Akeredolu and his team are dedicated to realizing the broader societal benefits of flag football across the nation.
Support from stakeholders and corporate partners has been indispensable in advancing NAFA’s mission under Akeredolu’s leadership. “Their steadfast support has been instrumental in not only expanding our programs but also in enhancing our outreach efforts across the country,” Akeredolu acknowledges gratefully. These partnerships play a crucial role in the sustainability and long-term growth of American football in Nigeria.
Akeredolu emphasizes the significance of building and maintaining sustainable partnerships with local businesses and multinational corporations. “These collaborations enable us to reach more communities, engage more young athletes, and create lasting impacts,” he notes. By aligning with stakeholders who share NAFA’s vision for development and social impact, they are able to leverage resources and expertise to amplify their initiatives.
Through these strategic alliances, NAFA aims to secure additional resources, financial support, and expertise necessary to expand their programs effectively. As NAFA continues to forge ahead, they remain committed to cultivating meaningful partnerships that contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of American football in the country.
Akeredolu’s journey to the presidency of NAFA was marked by his longstanding commitment and tireless efforts in promoting flag football through numerous grassroots initiatives across Nigeria. “Stepping into the role of President was a natural progression for me,” he explains thoughtfully. “Having been deeply involved in advocating for American football, I saw an opportunity to lead and drive meaningful change on a larger scale.” His ascension to the presidency symbolized not only his personal dedication but also his strategic vision to expand the sport’s reach beyond urban centers, aiming to create opportunities for aspiring athletes in rural and underserved communities.
Akeredolu’s approach to leadership is characterized by a hands-on approach, engaging with diverse stakeholders, including communities, coaches, and players to foster growth and instill a passion for the sport at all levels of society. His initiatives have focused on establishing robust training programs, nurturing young talent, and advocating values of teamwork and sportsmanship among Nigerian youth. Under his guidance, NAFA has steadily grown in influence and impact, emerging as a pivotal force in Nigerian sports development.
Key to NAFA’s remarkable ascent are its exceptional leaders who have played pivotal roles in advancing American football across Nigeria. At the forefront is Seye Obatolu, renowned for his strategic acumen and visionary leadership in orchestrating regional leagues and expanding outreach efforts, which have significantly bolstered participation and visibility of the sport nationwide.
Adding to NAFA’s dynamic leadership is Lawrence Ojaideh, whose transition from a British discus thrower to a professional football player brings a unique perspective on athletic development and training programs. Akeredolu underscores Ojaideh’s transformative impact on NAFA’s youth initiatives, leveraging his expertise to refine coaching methodologies and nurture emerging talent across Nigeria.
Nancy Damhindi emerges as a driving force behind NAFA’s commitment to gender equality in sports, particularly through her leadership in promoting flag football among young girls. A fervent advocate, Damhindi has spearheaded specialized coaching clinics and innovative outreach programs aimed at empowering female athletes and expanding their opportunities within the sport. Her efforts have significantly enhanced NAFA’s participation base and reinforced its inclusive ethos, setting a precedent for equitable sports development in Nigeria.
Together, Obatolu, Ojaideh, and Damhindi epitomize NAFA’s cohesive leadership core, each contributing distinct strengths and perspectives that synergistically propel the organization’s mission forward. Their collective efforts underscore NAFA’s commitment to fostering a vibrant American football culture rooted in accessibility, diversity, and sustained growth across all demographics in Nigeria.
The synergy among NAFA’s leadership team is palpable, driven by a shared passion for sports and a commitment to community engagement. “We operate as a tight-knit unit,” Akeredolu affirms. “Each member brings unique strengths and perspectives that complement our overarching goals.” Regular team strategizing sessions and collaborative decision-making processes ensure that NAFA remains agile and responsive to the evolving needs of the American football community.
Babajide Akeredolu’s leadership has sparked a movement reshaping Nigeria’s sports landscape. Through NAFA’s initiatives, flag football has become a symbol of resilience, unity, and opportunity for countless young Nigerians. As the sport gains momentum nationwide, Akeredolu remains committed to nurturing talent, promoting diversity, and fostering a vibrant sporting culture that transcends borders and empowers communities.
Akeredolu’s vision for flag football in Nigeria reflects not just ambition, but a profound belief in the transformative power of sports. As NAFA advances with innovation and inclusivity, the future of American football in Nigeria shines brighter than ever. With each stride toward greater participation, community impact, and international recognition, NAFA under Akeredolu’s leadership is poised to elevate American football into a cornerstone of Nigerian sports culture, fostering a legacy of athletic excellence, unity, and opportunity for generations to come.