The euphoria of the Flag Football demonstration at the National Sports Festival (NSF), Gateway ‘Games Ogun 2024’, still resonates, with Rite Foods Nigeria and Sosa Fruit Drink’s sponsorship adding a perfect touch. The excitement is palpable, and interest is reaching new heights.
Shortly after publishing my piece on the flag football demonstration, I received a call from Mr. Ojaideh Lawrence, Secretary General of the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA). He attempted to clarify the distinction between NAFA and Showtime Flag Football, suggesting a superiority complex between the two. However, I redirected the conversation, emphasizing my goal of promoting flag football’s growth and impact in Nigerian sports, rather than comparing or criticizing organizations.
Mr. Ojaideh further highlighted NAFA’s affiliations with international and African governing bodies, claiming to have a national team. I also asked Mr. Ojaideh to clarify how the Nigerian American Football Association could be affiliated with international and African governing bodies, given that being an “Association” might not meet the recognition criteria typically required by continental bodies, especially considering my experience as a former board member of the Nigeria Olympic Committee.
However, these claims remain unverified. In contrast, my investigation into Showtime Flag Football yielded surprising results, which left me stunned.
Let me share a snippet from the Showtime Flag Football website, with minor edits. Here’s what caught my attention:
Azeez Amida, Chairman of Showtime Flag Football reveals his immediate plans for Showtime Flag Football in Nigeria following the electric 2025 Showtime Bowl in Lagos.
….In the aftermath of the electric Bowl in Lagos, which marked the end of the season, Azeez Amida, Chairman of Showtime Flag Football, reflected on the league’s journey and unveiled ambitious plans for nationwide expansion.
….Together, we’re shaping the narrative of flag football as a platform for teamwork, strategy, and national pride. We’ll keep Nigeria at the pinnacle of competition on and off the field.
….Sunday’s success also highlights why flag football needs a national federation. This is why Showtime is committed to working together with all Flag football stakeholders and the National Sports Commission @NatSportsComm to develop a structured and unified Federation that will ensure focused developmental effort, transparent governance, and clear pathways for athletes to develop at every level and fulfil their dream of playing at the #ShowtimeBowl.
….For this reason, I would like to thank the #NSC for embracing our vision and pledging to guide the creation of a dedicated flag football federation. Your partnership is critical to our sport’s sustainable growth.
I also want to use this opportunity to announce the focus of @showitmeffl over the next 18 months:
1) National expansion
2) Nationwide infrastructure development
3) Talent focused grassroot development
I would like to thank the Chairman of the Commission @ShehuDikko, the Director General @BukolaOlopade, the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr Habu Gumel @engr_gumel for honoring our invitation to the Bowl.
To our great partners @adidas Nigeria, @ritefoodsng @Sosafruitdrink @CoscharisMotors and all the business leaders that took their time out to attend the event. We continue to promise value, growth and brand visibility.
….The Warriors clinched the championship title in dramatic fashion, defeating longtime rivals Lagos Athletics Knights (LA) 40–23 in front of an energetic crowd.
….The Bowl was more than just a sporting event—it was a full-blown spectacle. Nigerian hip-hop star Sean Tizzle headlined the halftime show, while a live DJ kept energy levels high with dynamic mixes throughout the evening.
Returning to my topic, Nigeria can draw inspiration from the West’s approach to flag football. By creating a robust professional pathway, we can empower aspiring players to dream big and pursue careers in the sport. This aligns with the National Sports Commission’s mandate under Shehu Dikko’s leadership, which aims to promote sports development and excellence in Nigeria.
The Showtime Flag Football approach seems purposeful and self-sustaining. I’m not dismissing NAFA’s efforts, but their plans and programs lack visibility. Since government funding alone can’t drive sports development, collaborations with private initiatives like Showtime Flag Football and others can propel the sport forward.
Let me do my wakawaka to source for more news as regards this sport because this is “gonna” be another big one after Esports the National Sports Commission has adopted.
Flag Football has come to stay
*Phemmy Adetula was a former Board member and Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Olympic Committee
