Flag football gets green light to demonstrate at the National Sports Festival

In a historical achievement for sport, the Football Federation of the Flag of Nigeria (NFFF) received the official approval of the National Sports Commission to demonstrate the flag football at the 22nd National Sports Festival, the largest sporting event in Nigerian sports development, labeling “Link Gate Games OGUN 2024”, scheduled for May 16 to May 30 in Abeokuta, state of Ogun.

This historical milestone is another testimony of the tireless efforts of Azeez Amida, leader of the NFFF, who has taken bold and strategic measures to transform the flag football panorama in Nigeria.

Under its visionary leadership, sport has grown from the basic emotion to national recognition, which culminated in this moment of validation in one of Nigeria’s greatest sports stages.

In an official communication, Mrs. Thecla OPARA, Director (NSFPS) and secretary of the main organizing committee for the National Sports Festival, confirmed the approval and extended the commission’s support to the federation demonstration plans during the Games.

Azeez Amida expressed a deep gratitude to the National Sports Commission, including its president, Mallam Shehu Dikko and DG, Hon. Bukola Olopade for his continuous support and commitment to sports innovation in Nigeria. He also recognized the unwavering support of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, whose support of the Federation helped boost the flag football towards national integration.

“This approval is not just a victory for flag football, it is a victory for Nigerian youth, innovation in sports and the belief that new borders can be explored. We are honest and excited to exhibit flag football at the National Sports Festival, and we continue to build a legacy that the entire nation can be proud,” said Amida.

The demonstration status for flag football at the National Sports Festival in Nigeria is an important milestone: it points out formal recognition and paves the way for complete inclusion in future editions of the Games. It means that sport is being observed for viability, competitiveness and national attraction. This moment allows Football to show their athletic merit, organizational preparation and spectators value to state sports councils, the Nigerian Olympic Committee and national policy formulators.

For the Football Federation of the Flag of Nigeria and the leagues such as Showtime Flag Football League Abuja Flag Football League and other leagues, this is more than symbolic: opens doors for state funds, talent development pipes and future medals events. It also provides a strategic platform to unify fragmented efforts throughout the country and align with international standards, especially before the sport debut in the 2028 Olympic Games.

If it runs well, the demonstration status could be the turning point that transforms the flag football into Nigeria of an interest niche into a sport backed nationwide.

As the regressive account of the Gateway games begins, all eyes will be in the NFFF demonstration, an opportunity to present the game to thousands of spectators, athletes and officials of Nigeria.

Flag football is ready for the center of attention. Nigeria is ready for flag football.

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