The National Sports Commission is taking formal steps to approve Nigeria’s first recognised Flag Football Federation, with elections for executive officers to follow once the body is officially inaugurated.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Assistant on Media to the NSC Director General, Kola Daniel, said the commission has not previously recognised any individual, group, or association to act on behalf of Nigeria in flag football, locally or internationally.
According to the commission, only the NSC has legal authority under Nigerian sporting regulations to approve, supervise, and regulate national sports federations. It said the latest move will ensure a unified structure capable of presenting Nigeria at global flag football events.
The Director General explained that consultations are currently ongoing with stakeholders across the sport to harmonise interests and establish a single national governing body.
“The National Sports Commission is presently engaging all stakeholders involved in flag football on the establishment of a unified national federation,” he said in the statement.
The director general added that every group presently active in flag football would be included in the emerging structure to promote fairness and meet international requirements for representation and administration.
“The NSC values the efforts of every stakeholder and remains committed to forming an inclusive governance system that aligns with international best standards and Nigeria’s sports development priorities,” he noted.
The commission stressed that the approval process is not concluded, saying deliberations are continuing before a final pronouncement is made.
It further assured athletes, coaches, technical officials, and potential partners that the approved federation would operate transparently, encouraging broad participation and strong governance.
The NSC said details on election guidelines, eligibility requirements, membership structures, and transition arrangements to the new body will be announced in due course.The planned federation is expected to coordinate national competitions, talent identification, technical development, and Nigeria’s entry into continental and international flag football championships.
Flag football, a non-contact version of American football, has gained attention globally in recent years, with international federations pushing for wider participation and professional structures in emerging markets.
The move by the NSC is seen as a significant step towards positioning Nigeria for international recognition in the sport, ensuring athletes have a clear pathway to continental and world championships.
