The board will be chaired by the Honourable Minister for Youth, Honourable Ayo Olawande Wisdom with esteemed members including Distinguished Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, OON, CON, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu (Mai Palace) the Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, other stakeholders, and current and past National Football League (NFL) players who bring a wealth of professional experience to the development of the sport. Additionally, the President of the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA) will serve as the Secretary, ensuring continuity between grassroots initiatives and national development strategies.
In its mandate, the board will oversee the activities of the Steering Committee for Flag Football Development, which currently includes leading leagues and organizations driving American football growth in Nigeria. This structure ensures that the grassroots efforts align with national development goals, creating a unified approach to talent scouting, training, and competitive participation.
While the initial focus has been around preparing TEAMNIGERIA for international competition, the initiative is not solely focused on Olympic participation—its broader goal is to integrate flag football into local communities, schools, and professional sports ecosystems, fostering a culture of inclusivity and athletic excellence. By leveraging partnerships with international organizations, including the NFL, the board aims to create career pathways, enhance infrastructure, and promote Nigeria as a competitive hub for flag football on the global stage.
Speaking on the launch, the Honourable Minister for Youth emphasized the importance of sports in youth empowerment and national development. "Flag football presents an incredible opportunity for Nigeria to thrive in a fast-growing global sport. This board will ensure that talent development, infrastructure expansion, and local adoption are prioritized, creating long-lasting impact beyond international tournaments."
NAFA President also highlighted the role of the board in shaping the future of flag football. "Over the past five years, NAFA has developed a robust grassroots pathway, supporting leagues, programs and initiatives at all levels and driving the growth of American Football as a whole. As we prepare to represent Nigeria in Egypt, we are meticulously ensuring that a solid foundation is established locally. With structured leadership and support from government officials, professional athletes, dedicated leagues and partners like BROWNS NIGERIA, Nigeria is well-positioned to elevate flag football to new heights. Our objective is to make the sport accessible nationwide, from schools to national leagues, and ultimately establish Nigeria as a formidable presence in international competitions."
The National Flag Football Development Board will begin operations immediately, working closely with regional sports councils, educational institutions, and corporate partners to drive awareness and participation. Regular updates on initiatives, policies, and developmental strategies will be shared with the public as the board executes its mandate.