Nigeria Collegiate Flag Football League Makes History with Inaugural Exhibition Games
The Nigeria Collegiate Flag Football League (NCFFL), an initiative of the Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA), successfully hosted its first-ever exhibition games on September 6, 2025, at Unique Open University’s Ikeja Campus.
The event brought together over 60 student-athletes from four tertiary institutions across Nigeria, competing in eight thrilling games before a crowd of over 500 enthusiastic spectators.
65% of participants were first-time players, showcasing NAFA’s ambitious goal of making Flag Football accessible across all levels and age groups.
25% of athletes had previously competed in the Nigeria Secondary School Flag Football League (NSSFFL), underscoring its role as a grassroots pathway feeding talents into the NCFFL. Unique Open University emerged as champions, capping a day that blended competition, community, and celebration.
NAFA President, Babajide Akeredolu, emphasized the vision behind the NCFFL: “Our goal is clear; we want to build a clear pathway for Flag Football, from secondary schools to universities and into professional opportunities.” This vision is being realized through collaboration with the Community Flag Football League (CFFL), which trained student-athletes for over five weeks in preparation for the exhibition.
Vice-President of NUGA, Dr. Emmanuel Okeme: “Watching these students play with such energy and discipline for the first time was inspiring. I am confident that Flag Football will become a key sport in Nigerian universities, and NUGA will support its integration.”Coordinator of NAFA’s Collegiate Programs, Jesunifemi Tenten: “The NCFFL is just one of the programs we are rolling out to expand American football in Nigeria. Today’s event has proven that our vision is not just possible; it is already happening.”
NAFA has announced plans to expand the program across all six geo-political zones and seven states, with a target of training over 1,000 new student-athletes nationwide. The league will return in full force at the 2025 NUGA Games in UNIL