NAFA to Stage U-13 Flag Football Tournament in Lagos
The Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) has confirmed it will host a national Under-13 flag football tournament in Lagos on April 2, 2026, as part of its drive to expand grassroots sports and integrate American football into schools.
The NFL FLAG U-13 Co-ed National Football Tournament Invitational will be staged at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Stadium.
Student-athletes from schools across Nigeria are expected to compete in a structured environment designed to introduce young players to the sport.
Organisers say the initiative is aimed at creating a clear pathway for aspiring athletes while embedding flag football into Nigeria’s school sports system.
The event is being held in collaboration with the Nigeria Federation for American Football, reflecting increased institutional coordination for the sport’s growth.
The tournament enjoys backing from several partners, including the Nigeria School Sports Federation, Lagos State Sports Commission, International Federation of American Football, and NFL FLAG.
NAFA noted that the collaboration highlights a shared commitment to expanding youth participation and providing structured opportunities for students.
Beyond competition, NAFA emphasised that the tournament will instil values such as teamwork, discipline, confidence, and leadership among young athletes.
By engaging schools directly, the association hopes to strengthen the role of flag football within Nigeria’s educational and sporting framework.
Recent progress at the school level has already produced results. Greensprings School Lekki represented Nigeria at the maiden NFL FLAG U-13 African Championship in Egypt last year, underscoring the growing competitiveness of Nigerian teams.
NAFA believes hosting the national invitational marks another step toward increasing awareness and institutional support for flag football.
The event is expected to draw students, coaches, sports administrators, and youth development stakeholders, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to expanding organised sports at the grassroots level.
