Nigeria’s Flag National Team Sets For Historic African Championship In Egypt

The Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA) has unveiled its competition apparel ahead of the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Continental Games, set to take place in Egypt from June 20 to 21, 2025.

The unveiling ceremony took place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, where NAFA President Babajide Akeredolu presented the team jerseys to Hon. Bukola Olopade, the director general of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

During the event, Olopade urged the team to represent Nigeria with pride and to return victorious. “I wish you all the best on your trip to Egypt and am particularly confident that our women’s team will clinch the Gold. I am also intrigued by the inclusion of the U13 team in this tournament, which aligns with the Commission’s renewed vision for building a future in sports,” he stated.

According to a press statement signed by Kola Daniel, special assistant on media to the DG, Olopade expressed appreciation for the growing visibility and excitement surrounding flag football in Nigeria, suggesting that a collaboration between NAFA and Showtime could lead to a robust league across the country. He concluded, “If this partnership materialises, I am confident that flag football will capture the imagination of Nigerians.”

Akeredolu elaborated on the significance of the tournament, highlighting the recent inclusion of flag sports in the Olympic movement and the collective effort among African nations to establish a continental games for better representation on the global stage. “This marks a historic moment for African football, and we are proud to be part of it,” he remarked.

He confirmed that Nigeria will field three teams for the competition: the main squad, which has been in training for two months, a women’s team, and an under-13 team. “We are optimistic about our chances, bolstered by support from various leagues in Nigeria, including the Abuja Flag Football League, Showtime, the Community Flag Football League, and the Ogun Flag Football League. We have a wealth of talent to form a formidable national team.”

Nigeria is set to compete against several renowned sporting nations, including Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa, Senegal, Ghana, Uganda, and host country Egypt, when the tournament commences this weekend.