Dikko commits to equal opportunity for all sports

In a rousing celebration at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, the National Sports Commission (NSC) honored Nigeria’s male and female flag football teams for their outstanding performance at the inaugural African Flag Football Continental Championship held in Cairo, Egypt.

The Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, warmly welcomed the triumphant teams and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to creating equal sporting opportunities for Nigerian youth—regardless of discipline—so long as passion and skill are evident.

Nigeria made a resounding statement at the tournament, with both male and female teams clinching top honors. The men’s team edged hosts Egypt 13–12 in a nail-biting final, while the women’s team overpowered Morocco 26–12. Even the Under-13 developmental squad showcased promising talent, finishing in third place.

Describing their success as a ‘landmark moment for Nigerian sports,’ Dikko praised the athletes and commended the leadership of Mr. Babajide Akeredolu, President of the Nigerian American Football Association, for steering the sport into continental prominence. ‘Now that you’ve conquered Africa,’ Dikko declared, ‘the world is your next challenge.’

He revealed that flag football would be prioritized in upcoming school sports reforms and expressed optimism that, with the right support, Nigeria could clinch medals at the African Games and possibly the Olympics. He also hinted at the Commission’s readiness to upscale the association to a federation, citing its remarkable growth and potential.

Mr. Akeredolu credited the Commission’s backing as a key driver of the team’s victory and emphasized Nigeria’s historic emergence as Africa’s first flag football champion and future representative at the World Games.

Also in attendance was Mr. Musa Amadu, Senior Special Adviser to the Chairman and former Secretary General of the Nigerian Football Federation. He praised the team and highlighted the inclusive nature of flag football, which welcomes participation across gender lines and holds vast potential for nationwide development.

The event wrapped up with the proud presentation of the championship trophies to Chairman Dikko, cementing Nigeria’s place as a rising force in global flag football.