Nigeria Celebrates Double Gold, NSC Backs Flag Football Growth

In a momentous celebration of excellence, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has pledged the Commission’s full backing for the growth of flag football in Nigeria, following the historic double victory of Nigeria’s male and female teams at the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Continental Championship held in Cairo, Egypt.

Speaking at a special reception held in Abuja on Monday, Mallam Dikko congratulated the national teams for their outstanding performance, which saw Team Nigeria defeat Egypt 13–12 in the men’s final and secure a dominant 26–12 win over Morocco in the women’s final.

The youth U13 developmental squad also earned a podium finish, coming third in their category—completing a clean sweep for Nigeria.

“This is the kind of vision we must uphold to harness the immense talent across Nigeria and channel it productively. We have the population and the potential,” Dikko said. “Let us use it to build a better future through sports.”

Dikko described the wins as a landmark moment in Nigerian sports history, reinforcing his belief that all sports, including emerging ones like flag football, deserve equal opportunity and support. He affirmed that the NSC is now considering the formal elevation of flag football into a fully recognized national federation, based on the sport’s undeniable growth, performance, and potential to win medals at future African Games and even the Olympics.

The NSC Chairman also praised Mr. Babajide Akeredolu, President of the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA), for his commitment and strategic leadership, noting that under his stewardship, Nigeria has now conquered Africa and set its sights on the world stage.

“You have shown great passion and worked diligently to grow this sport,” Dikko added. “Now that you’ve conquered Africa, the world is your next challenge.”

Showtime’s Footprint on the Continent

As Nigeria’s profile in flag football continues to rise, it is impossible to overlook the instrumental role played by Showtime Flag Football League in the sport’s domestic development. Not only has Showtime built the first and only standard flag football stadium in Africa, but it has also nurtured the majority of the athletes and coaches who starred in Cairo—especially among the victorious women’s team.

Through investment in youth development, inclusive rules, and a consistent professional league structure, Showtime has served as the launchpad for Nigeria’s success and has effectively positioned the country as a continental hub for talent, training, and tournament infrastructure.

A United Front for the Future

Also present at the event was Mr. Musa Amadu, Senior Special Adviser on Strategy, Legal Matters, and Administration to the NSC Chairman and former NFF Secretary General. Amadu highlighted the gender-inclusive nature of flag football, calling it a model sport that should be widely adopted in schools and communities.

“Its accessibility to both male and female athletes positions it as a sport with immense growth potential,” he noted.

NAFA President Babajide Akeredolu expressed gratitude to the NSC for its unwavering support, emphasizing that this backing was key to Nigeria’s emergence as the first-ever African champion and its qualification for the World Championships in 2026, and likely the continent’s sole Olympic ticket to LA 2028.

The celebration ended with the symbolic presentation of both championship trophies to the Chairman of the NSC—underscoring Nigeria’s growing strength in international sport and a new era for flag football in the country.

Sports247.ng