The Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) has once again made headlines—this time in one of the world’s most prestigious publications, The New York Times. In a recent article spotlighting NFL legend and Global Flag Football Ambassador Osi Umenyiora, NAFA’s leadership in shaping the future of American football in Africa was front and center.
The piece chronicles Umenyiora’s transformation from Super Bowl champion to international advocate, underscoring his deep ties to Nigeria and commitment to expanding football’s reach across the continent. But what truly stands out is NAFA’s pivotal role—not only as the recognized federation for flag football but also as the official body for tackle football in Nigeria.
From grassroots flag tournaments to structured tackle development programs, NAFA is building an inclusive, strategic pipeline for Nigerian athletes. Their partnership with NFL Africa, NFL FLAG, and Browns Nigeria has opened new doors for youth engagement, women’s empowerment, and elite talent development. Recent highlights include successful youth camps, women’s flag football workouts in Lagos, and preparation for Nigeria’s participation in the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Düsseldorf.
This dual responsibility gives NAFA a unique position: championing the rapid rise of flag football while laying foundational infrastructure for the long-term growth of tackle football in Nigeria. The New York Times feature isn’t just a nod—it’s a testament to NAFA’s vision and the growing global recognition of Nigeria’s leadership in both formats of the game.
From tackling barriers to flagging new opportunities, NAFA is proving that the future of football in Africa has arrived—and it wears green and white.
read the full story at the New York Times