Sports
NAFA Holds Maiden Flag Football Exhibition for Nigerian Colleges, Universities
The Nigeria Collegiate Flag Football League (NCFFL), an initiative of the Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA), has hosted its first-ever exhibition games.
The historical event took place on Saturday, September 6th, 2025, at the Unique Open University, (Ikeja Campus) Agidingbi.
It brought together over 60 student-athletes from four tertiary institutions across Nigeria, competing in 8 thrilling games before a crowd of over 500 enthusiastic spectators. Remarkably, 65% of the participants were first-time players, showcasing NAFA’s ambitious goal of making flag football accessible across all levels and age groups, the organiser asserted.
Notably, about 25% of the athletes had once competed at the Nigeria Secondary School Flag Football League (NSSFFL), underscoring its role as a grassroots pathway feeding talents into the NCFFL, they added.
The tournament ended with Unique Open University emerging as champions, capping a day that blended competition, community, and celebration.
A Reward for Excellence
In a surprise gesture, the President and Founder of Unique Open University, Prof. Chris Imumolen, awarded the winners a cash prize of ₦1 million, describing it as “an investment in youth excellence and a way to encourage innovation through sports.”
He commended NAFA for introducing a fast-growing global sport to Nigerian students and urged the athletes to see the platform as a springboard for both athletic and leadership growth.
Building Flag Football Across All Levels
At the event, NAFA President, Babajide Akeredolu, emphasized the vision behind NCFFL, thus, “Our goal is clear, we want to build a clear pathway for Flag Football, from secondary schools to universities and into professional opportunities. This exhibition has shown us that Nigeria has the talent and passion. The NCAA in the U.S. became the talent pool for the NFL; we envision the NCFFL becoming that same pipeline for Nigeria and Africa.”
This vision is already being realized through collaboration with the Community Flag Football League (CFFL), whose teams trained the student-athletes for over five weeks in preparation for the exhibition.
On his part, Vice-President of NUGA, Dr. Emmanuel Okeme, shared his excitement in these words, “Watching these students play with such energy and discipline for the first time was inspiring. I am confident that Flag Football will become a key sport in Nigerian universities, and NUGA will support its integration.”
In the same vein, Coordinator of NAFA’s Collegiate Programs, Jesunifemi Tenten, added, “The NCFFL is just one of the programs we are rolling out to expand American football in Nigeria. Others will follow in due time, but today’s event has proven that our vision is not just possible, it is already happening.”
A winning athlete from Unique Open University reflected on the historic victory, “This was my first-time playing Flag Football, and I can’t believe we are leaving here as champions. The training and the experience were incredible, and it has opened my eyes to new opportunities through sports.”
The Road Ahead
The NCFFL exhibition is only the beginning. NAFA has announced plans to expand the program across all six geo-political zones and seven states, with a target of training over 1,000 new student-athletes nationwide. The league will return in full force at the 2025 NUGA Games in UNILAG, where more schools are expected to join.
ALSO READ: Why My Siblings Won’t Play in Nigeria’s League – Ex-Super Eagles Midfielder
Global Connection
Flag Football has been officially approved as a sport for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, making Nigeria’s early investment in the sport timely. By positioning Nigerian students at the forefront, NAFA is setting the stage for future Olympians.
A Call to Stakeholders
The success of the NCFFL exhibition highlights what is possible when institutions, sports bodies, and communities work together. NAFA calls on stakeholders, schools, corporate sponsors, and government to partner in expanding Flag Football across Nigeria.
“This was more than an exhibition; it was a movement,” Akeredolu concluded. “And we are only just beginning.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the dates for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, setting the stage for a historic tournament to be jointly hosted by three countries for the first time.
According to CAF, the competition—branded “PAMOJA 2027”—will kick off on June 19, 2027, and conclude with the final on July 17, 2027.
SEE ALSO: CAF Under Fire as Guinea Challenges Morocco’s 1976 AFCON Win after Senegal Ruling
The tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, marking a significant milestone in the history of African football.
CAF noted that the venues for both the opening match and the final will be confirmed at a later date, as preparations continue across the three host nations.
Describing the tournament as a landmark initiative, CAF said the joint hosting arrangement is expected to boost regional unity and enhance football development across East Africa.
The body also highlighted the opportunity to engage a massive audience of over 400 million people within the region.
In addition, CAF released details of the qualification process ahead of the tournament.
The draw for the qualifiers is scheduled to take place on May 19, 2026, following the preliminary rounds.
A total of 48 teams, including the host nations, will compete in the qualifiers.
The teams will be grouped into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the final tournament.
The qualification matches will be played across three FIFA international windows: from September 21 to October 6, 2026; November 9 to 17, 2026; and March 22 to 30, 2027.
With the announcement, anticipation is already building for what is expected to be one of the most unique and widely watched editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has commended the speedy and qualitative ongoing remodelling of Osogbo stadium, announcing that the sitting capacity of the modernised and upgraded stadium is to increase from 4000 to 15,000 upon completion.
Speaking after an early morning daily project review session which started since last week, the governor said the increased capacity will attract major sporting events to boost development of all games in the state.
“Upon completion, Osun will be qualified to host local and international events. Sports development will take a new tone. Our young population will have a big supportive platform to develop their talents”, the governor noted at the meeting.
ALSO READ: BOI Partners with RMRDC to Boost Agric Value-chain Growth
He particularly expressed happiness at the involvement of several foreign technical partners who are working with the contractors to ensure that the new stadium satisfy FIFA standard to eventually secure FIFA certification.
“In remodelling the stadium, we must satisfy global standards. I am happy at the involvement of local and international experts to ensure we meet FIFA and all associated standards. This is the way to go to finally integrate Osun into the mainstream of sports development in the country.
“As a sport loving governor, I am eager to ensure that the Osun Sport Trust Fund becomes operational. We are working round the clock to meet legal requirements and develop appropriate policy framework among others.
“We are working to also fully operationalise the Osun State Sport Commission. This and other structures are being put in place to address the many challenges facing the Sport sector. I have a vision of an Osun state sport sector with modern facilities, empowered workforce and big opportunities for sportsmen and women.
While commending the contractor for a job well done so far, Governor Adeleke commended the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi who doubled as the Commissioner for Sports, for demonstrating deep commitment to the completion of the project.
Manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, has thrown his full support behind rising midfielder Nico O’Reilly, insisting the youngster deserves to be crowned Premier League Young Player of the Season after a breakthrough campaign.
Guardiola made the remarks on Monday following Manchester City’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal, a result that further strengthened their push in the title race.
ALSO READ: Emery Outshines Guardiola As Aston Villa End Man City’s Unbeaten Run
In the match, O’Reilly delivered another impressive performance, playing with composure and confidence beyond his years.
The youngster also provided an assist for Erling Haaland, helping City secure a crucial win at a key stage of the season.
Speaking after the game, Guardiola was emphatic in his praise for the teenager, suggesting there should be no debate about the award.
“O’Reilly deserves the Young Player of the Season. What a season he has had,” Guardiola said. “I don’t know who will win the overall Player of the Season, but for the young category, it has to be Nico.”
The statement has since gained wide attention, especially after being highlighted by football journalist Fabrizio Romano on social media.
O’Reilly’s emergence has been one of the bright spots in Manchester City’s campaign, with the midfielder earning praise for his versatility, maturity on the ball, and ability to step up in high-pressure games despite his young age.
As the season enters its final stretch, Guardiola’s strong endorsement is expected to boost O’Reilly’s profile in the race for individual honours.
Outrage as Police Officer Who Threatened Nigerians Over Recording Breaks Silence
Cubana Chief Priest Explains Why He Dumped Peter Obi for Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Fresh Crisis Hits APC as Senators, Aspirants Reject Primary Results Across 9 States
Singer Niniola Announces Death of Husband
N33.8bn Power Fraud: EFCC Nabs Ex-Minister Saleh Mamman After Months on the Run
Plateau 2027: “I’m Not in the Race to Fill Numbers” — Bida Declares War on Mutfwang
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
https://shorturl.fm/52XIe
f7j1y7
Hey there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
I was just looking for this info for a while. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your web site. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this type of informative web sites in top of the list. Generally the top sites are full of garbage.
I think you have noted some very interesting points, regards for the post.
You should take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will recommend this site!
Loving the information on this site, you have done outstanding job on the posts.
I?¦ve recently started a site, the information you offer on this website has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work.
I’ve been exploring for a bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this sort of house . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this web site. Studying this information So i am satisfied to show that I have a very good uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed. I most undoubtedly will make certain to do not disregard this website and give it a look on a constant basis.
Thank you for sharing excellent informations. Your web site is so cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this site. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched everywhere and simply could not come across. What an ideal website.
I got good info from your blog
Wow! Thank you! I constantly wanted to write on my site something like that. Can I take a portion of your post to my site?
Does your website have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but, I’d like to send you an email. I’ve got some recommendations for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.
Good post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Cheers!
Some truly nice and utilitarian information on this web site, also I conceive the style and design holds excellent features.
It¦s really a great and useful piece of info. I¦m satisfied that you just shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
you have a great blog here! would you like to make some invite posts on my blog?
Greetings from Florida! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to check out your site on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the knowledge you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my mobile .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, excellent blog!