Azeez Amida Champions Flag Football Growth in Nigeria

Azeez Amida, President of Nigeria Showtime Flag Football, is driving a revolution in the development of flag football in Nigeria. His efforts have already led to the construction of the country’s first standard flag football stadium in Lekki, Lagos a project entirely funded through private means.

Now, Amida and his team have secured the backing of the National Sports Commission NSC to take the sport nationwide. Recognising the success of the Lekki facility, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, represented by Senior Special Adviser Bar. Musa Amadu affirmed the Commission’s commitment to expanding flag football across Nigeria. “We want to work together to take flag football beyond Lagos and into every part of Nigeria,” he stated.

Plans are already in motion to introduce the sport at the grassroots level by integrating it into school competitions and community programs. With support from the NSC, additional flag football stadiums are set to be built across the country, creating regional training hubs for young athletes.

The collaboration between the NSC and Showtime Flag Football signals a new era for Nigerian sports, blending private-sector innovation with government support to establish flag football as a major sporting discipline.

Editorial

Sports development in Nigeria has long suffered from a lack of infrastructure and institutional support, but the progress made in flag football is a refreshing shift in the narrative. Azeez Amida’s vision and dedication have not only put the sport on the map but have also demonstrated that private initiatives can successfully drive sports development.

The construction of Nigeria’s first standard flag football stadium without government assistance was a bold statement. It proved that with passion and strategic planning, sports can thrive beyond the traditional disciplines like football and basketball. The growing interest in flag football shows that Nigerians are open to new sporting opportunities, provided there is an enabling environment.

The NSC’s involvement is a crucial step forward. For any sport to grow, it requires both grassroots participation and a structured development pipeline. By integrating flag football into school programs, young talents will be identified early, increasing the chances of producing elite-level athletes. Additionally, building more stadiums will ensure that the sport is accessible to communities outside Lagos, fostering national participation.

Nigeria has a history of underutilising its sporting potential. With the right investment and commitment, flag football could join the ranks of other globally recognised sports. The collaboration between Showtime Flag Football and the NSC should serve as a model for other sports, proving that a blend of private initiative and government support can yield remarkable results.

If this momentum is maintained, Nigeria could soon emerge as a powerhouse in flag football, setting the stage for future international success.

Did You Know?

1. Flag football is a non-contact version of American football, making it safer and more accessible for all age groups.
2. The International Federation of American Football IFAF is pushing for flag football to be included in the Olympics, with its debut set for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
3. Nigeria’s interest in American football has been growing, with several Nigerian players making it to the NFL, including Osi Umenyiora and Emmanuel Ogbah.
4. Flag football is played in over 70 countries worldwide, with strong development programs in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
5. Unlike traditional American football, flag football does not require expensive protective gear, making it a cost-effective sport for grassroots development.