The 2024 Flag Football National Tournament came to a dramatic end at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, with Lagos State taking the top spot in both the male and female football categories. The teams claimed the N1 million prize, while Akwa Ibom State, the defending champions, secured N700,000 for their second-place finish. Abuja and Cross River State rounded out the top three in their respective categories, each earning N350,000.
NAFA President Babajide Akeredolu lauded Cross River State for its warm hospitality and commended participating schools for their outstanding sportsmanship. He reflected on the impact of introducing American football to Nigeria in 2019, citing its role in creating job opportunities, fostering skill development, and providing recognition for young talents. Akeredolu described the sport as a vehicle for shaping the future of Nigerian youth.
Vice President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Emmanuel Ebong, stressed the vital partnership between NAFA and NSSF in promoting flag football, a sport still gaining traction in Nigeria. He pointed out the federation’s commitment to nurturing young athletes and its role in identifying talents who eventually represent the country at international levels
Ebong stated that one of the reasons for engaging young people in sports is to steer them away from negative influences, describing sports as a platform for achieving personal and professional success. ‘Through initiatives like these, we are building a pipeline of talent and ensuring the future of Nigerian sports is bright,’ he remarked.
Representing Governor Bassey Out of Cross River State, Deputy Governor Peter Odey announced plans to incorporate flag football into the state’s secondary and primary school curriculums. He affirmed the government’s commitment to popularizing the sport and expressed hopes of securing future victories in national tournaments.
