American Football Kicks Off In Nigeria As NSC Inaugurates Federation Board

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially inaugurated the pioneering board of the Nigeria Federation of American Football (NFAF), urging its members to establish high standards and align with the NSC’s RHINSE Agenda.

Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the Director General of the commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for successfully resolving internal disputes, paving the way for the sport’s official recognition as a federation. This move, he stated, will enable Nigeria to fully maximise its potential in American football.

Dikko highlighted the recent Super Bowl, where six athletes of Nigerian descent participated, with four on the winning side, as a testament to Nigerian talent. “These are powerful reminders of what Nigerian talent can achieve when given structure, opportunity and support,” he remarked, expressing confidence that such opportunities can now be cultivated domestically.

Hon. Bukola Olopade, whose conflict resolution efforts were instrumental in forming the federation, tasked the new board to leverage their collective expertise to significantly advance the sport. He noted that American football is one of the fastest-growing sports in Nigeria, boasting “some of the brightest young men as stakeholders.”

The new board comprises: Babajide Akeredolu (President), Idris Shuaibu, Azeez Amida, Sasore Bodunrin (Technical Representative and Director), Ized Meremoth, Lawrence Ojaide, Seye Obatolu, Aisha Shuaibu, Akpan Michael, Solomon Oludaisi, Miss Uchenna Asife, Mrs. Ugochi Otti, Amadi Chukwuemeka, Okabonye Chukwuani, Barikisu Ademoh, Maryam Yakoub, Mark Orduen, Olaide Yusuf, and Dr Oluyonmi Oluwasanmi.