Nigeria has secured a place at the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Düsseldorf, Germany, marking a historic milestone for the nation’s growing presence in the global flag football arena.
President of the Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA), Babajide Akeredolu, confirmed the development and expressed gratitude for the country’s selection to represent Africa at the prestigious event, scheduled for August 13 to 16, 2026.
“This is a defining moment for flag football in Nigeria and across the continent,” Akeredolu said. “Both our men’s and women’s teams will compete with pride and passion, showcasing Nigerian talent and resilience on the international stage.”
The tournament, organised by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) in partnership with the NFL and the City of Düsseldorf, will feature top national teams from around the world.
Akeredolu described the opportunity as a major boost to NAFA’s long-term vision and the sport’s development in Nigeria. He called on Nigerians to support the teams as they prepare for the global event.
He also praised key stakeholders for their role in achieving the milestone, including Minister for Youth Development and Chairman of the Flag Football Development Board, Hon. Olawande Ayodele; Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko; and Director-General Chief Bukola Olopade.
Their leadership, he noted, has been instrumental in supporting flag football initiatives and advancing the sport’s national footprint.
Akeredolu also acknowledged strong partnerships with NFL Africa, NFL Flag, and Browns Nigeria, crediting them with driving the successful rollout of flag football programmes across the country.
With Nigeria set to debut at the world stage in Düsseldorf, NAFA says preparations are underway to ensure the teams are fully equipped to represent the nation with excellence.