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SSA Hails Birth of American Football Federation, Urges New NFAF Board to Build Strong Grassroots Pipeline
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has described the inauguration of the board of the Nigeria Federation of American Football (NFAF) as a landmark moment that opens a new chapter for youth engagement and sports development in Nigeria.
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Hon. Adeboye spoke following the official inauguration of the new federation by the National Sports Commission, where the Chairman of the Commission, Shehu Dikko, charged the pioneer board members to set new standards and “write their names in gold” as custodians of one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
Reacting to the development, the SSA noted that the formal recognition of American football as a federation presents a major opportunity to deepen grassroots participation and create structured pathways for Nigerian youth.
“This is a powerful step forward. American football already has Nigerian excellence written all over it globally, and now we have the structure at home to nurture talents from the grassroots to the world stage,” Adeboye said. “With proper organisation, schools, communities and local leagues can become breeding grounds for future stars.”
He commended the leadership of the NSC, particularly the Director General, Bukola Olopade, for his role in resolving internal disputes and ensuring the successful emergence of a united federation.
Adeboye also echoed the remarks of NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, who referenced Nigeria’s strong presence at the recent Super Bowl, where several athletes of Nigerian descent featured prominently, describing it as proof of the nation’s untapped potential.
“For grassroots sports development, this federation must prioritise youth programmes, community engagement and talent identification,” the SSA added. “If we get it right at the base, Nigeria can become a major force in American football, not just abroad but right here at home.
The SSA congratulated the newly inaugurated NFAF board, led by Babajide Akeredolu, and urged members to work collectively, transparently and with vision, stressing that the future of the sport now rests on their ability to build sustainable systems that inspire participation, discipline and opportunity for Nigerian youth.
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