…. NSC, IFAF, Others Congratulate NAF
A Nigeria’s flag football teams have emerged champions of the African Flag Football Tournament held in Cairo, Egypt. The Nigerian side clinched the championship after delivering a masterclass in defensive prowess, securing both the men’s and women’s titles.
In the tightly contested finals, Nigeria outmaneuvered Morocco in the women’s category and Egypt in the men’s, showcasing resilience and tactical brilliance to claim the continental crowns.
The finals were a testament to Nigeria’s defensive dominance. The women’s team notched four interceptions against Morocco, while the men’s squad secured three against Egypt. Despite offensive struggles that saw several drives stall, Nigeria’s defenses rose to the occasion, turning games into strategic battles of attrition.
The men’s team’s journey to the final was a rollercoaster. Nigeria started strong, overpowering South Africa 40-20 and Cameroon 47-20 in the group stage. A late stumble against Egypt (28-19) saw them finish second in their group, but they regained momentum with a commanding semi-final win over Tunisia, setting up a thrilling rematch with Egypt. The women’s team, equally relentless, leaned on their defensive grit to outlast Morocco in a hard-fought final.
Mrs. Olabisi Joseph, President of the Nigeria Sport for All Federation (NSSF), hailed the victory as a milestone for Nigerian flag football. “This triumph reflects the dedication of our players and coaches. I’m particularly proud of the four standout athletes who rose from our 2022 secondary school league to shine on this continental stage. Their journey inspires us all, and we’re committed to nurturing more talents for the future,” she said.
Lanre Ogunjobi, representing the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), echoed his sentiments. “The NSC is immensely proud of this achievement. We will continue to support the growth of flag football, ensuring our athletes have the resources to excel,” he stated.
Osi Umenyiora, Head of NFL Africa, described the event as a turning point for the sport. “This championship is an epoch-making moment for flag football in Africa. The level of competition we’ve witnessed here will unlock new opportunities for players and grow the game across the continent,” he said.
In a private message to the Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA), the President of the International Federation of American Football congratulated Nigeria, noting their official ranking among the world’s top 16 teams. “We look forward to Nigeria representing Africa with distinction at the World Games,” he wrote.
Nigeria’s triumph in Cairo signals a bright future for flag football, with the nation poised to make waves on the global stage.