American Football Association of Nigeria

The American Football Association of Nigeria, also known as the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA), is a private organization dedicated to promoting and developing American football across Nigeria.

Established in 2019, NAFA operates as an associated member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) representing Nigeria though they are not officially recognized as the governing body of American Football by the Nigerian government.

History
NAFA was founded in November 2019 by Babajide Akeredolu, alongside co-founders Obatolu Oluwaseye from the United Kingdom and Dominik Mueller from Germany and Lawrence Ojaideh who currently serves as the Secretary general of the organization. The organization's primary mission is to utilize American football as a vehicle for personal and national development, emphasizing grassroots participation, educational scholarships, and community outreach initiatives.

Key initiatives and achievements

 * NSSFFL: NAFA organizes the Nigerian Secondary School Flag Football League (NSSFFL) which brings athletes from different states in Nigeria to participate in Flag football tournaments. This annual tournament aims to develop the sport among young Nigerians and provides opportunities for scholarships and talent recognition.
 * League Development: NAFA is committed to establishing and sustaining a professional American football league in Nigeria, with plans for regional conferences and international competition.
 * Grassroots Development: The organization promotes the inclusion of American football in Nigeria's educational curriculum to foster grassroots development.
 * AKETI BOWL- The AKETI BOWL, is a prestigious event within the Nigeria Secondary Schools Flag Football League (NSSFFL). The last championship (Season II) was hosted in Ondo State. In this championship, Government Secondary School (GSS), Eket, Akwa Ibom State, emerged victorious in the boys' category by defeating Government Science Secondary School, Pyakasa, Abuja. wide.

Recognition and impact
NAFA's efforts have led to a significant increase in the popularity and presence of American football across Nigeria. The organization's focus on promoting safety culture and positive youth engagement has garnered recognition from national and international partners with its actions leading to selection of Jeff Okudah as the first NFL Player Ambassador to NAFA

In 2023 the organization was invited by the National Football League to bring an U12 Flag Football team to the 2023 NFL Flag Championships at the Probowl.

In June 2024, NAFA organized the first ever NFL Flag U14 Tournament in Nigeria during the NFL expansion program to Nigeria. The competition involved 12 schools from the states of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo.