By Joel Ajayi

In its commitment to ensuring Nigeria climbs the podium at international competitions, the Flag Football Association of Nigeria has pledged that flag football will make the country proud at the next Olympics, if given the opportunity.

Flag football is a variant of gridiron football in which, instead of tackling players to the ground, the defensive team must remove a flag or flag belt from the ball carrier (called “deflagging”) to end a down. The sport limits contact between players and has a strong amateur following, with several national and international competitions each year. It is most popular in America, where it was invented.

Manal Nassar, CEO of Showtime Flag Football and leader of the delegation, expressed her enthusiasm during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, at his office. She emphasized that the association will do everything within its power to secure a ticket for the 2028 Olympics.

“We are 100 percent ready to make the country proud at the next Olympics. As I mentioned, we have over 500 players in our league, all of whom are extremely talented. So, we know that if we bring them together as a team, and collaborate with Abuja and other areas of Nigeria, we can create an incredible team that can push to accomplish what Nigerian boxing achieved in the last Olympics. We want to do the same with flag football for the 2028 Olympics,” Nassar said.

“We’ve seen the talent on the field and the passion from these athletes, and that’s what motivates us to push it further. We want to showcase Nigerian athletes globally and make flag football a recognized sport, not just in Nigeria, but around the world. It’s about igniting the dreams of the younger generation.”

Adejumo Adebare, Commissioner of the Showtime Coed Flag Football League (SFFL), also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s representation at the 2028 Olympics.

“Flag football has gained popularity globally, and in Nigeria, participation is on the rise. The sport is inclusive, offering opportunities for all age groups, from kids as young as 15 to adults up to 37 years old. The league at Showtime is growing, and it’s easy for people to participate. It’s fast-paced and exciting, making it an ideal sport for Nigerians to get involved in. Our first Showtime Flag Football season was an unforgettable spectacle, especially with the Showtime Bowl events. I truly believe that Nigeria will be well represented at the 2028 Olympics if given the chance,” Adebare said.

Barrister Musa Amadu, the NSC representative, assured the delegation of the Commission’s full support for the growth of the sport in Nigeria.

“On behalf of the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, we are pleased to receive a team from Showtime Flag Football, based in Lagos. They are here to introduce the game to other parts of the country.

Flag football has been included in the Olympic Games, and it will feature at the Los Angeles Olympics. The goal is to make the sport popular among the youth and grow it from grassroots to professional levels. We have assured them of our support, and the NSC will provide all necessary backing to ensure that flag football flourishes in Nigeria,” Amadu promised.

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