Olopade Brokers Peace As Nigerian Federation of American Football Emerges

By Niyi Busari 

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has formally confirmed the establishment of the Nigerian Federation of American Football (NFAF) as the official governing body responsible for the administration, growth and development of American football in Nigeria, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The confirmation marks a significant turning point for the sport, ending a prolonged period of internal disputes and uncertainty, and paving the way for structured leadership and national coordination.

An official inauguration ceremony for the NFAF board has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, signalling the beginning of a new era of stability for American football in the country.

The resolution of the crisis within the sport followed the intervention of the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, whose mediation efforts brought together previously divided stakeholders. Olopade’s role mirrors his earlier involvement in restoring stability to Nigerian e-sports.

Speaking on the establishment of the Federation, Olopade said the NFAF was created to “bring order, credibility and national coordination to the development of American football in Nigeria.” He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting the Federation in expanding grassroots participation, strengthening institutional capacity and positioning Nigeria as a respected competitor on the global stage.

Babajide Akeredolu has been named President of the Nigerian Federation of American Football. Akeredolu previously led Nigeria to continental success, guiding the national teams to victory at the inaugural Africa Flag Football Championship in 2025, where both the men’s and women’s teams defeated host nation Egypt to claim the titles.

Reacting to his appointment, Akeredolu praised the NSC’s leadership, noting that Olopade’s intervention brought clarity and unity to the sport.

“His intervention brought peace, direction and a fresh start. We are now one family, focused on governance, development and taking Nigerian American football to the world,” Akeredolu said, adding that the Federation’s formation represents “not just the birth of a Federation, but the beginning of a movement.”

Technical Representative and Director of the Federation, Sasore Bodunrin, described the development as a major boost for youth empowerment and sports development. He said Nigeria is already looking ahead to the Flag Football World Championships scheduled to take place in Düsseldorf, Germany, in August 2026, where the country aims to showcase its growing pool of talent.

The newly inaugurated Executive Board of the NFAF includes Babajide Akeredolu as President, alongside Idris H. Shuaibu, Azeez Amida, Ized Meremoth, Lawrence Ojaide, Seye Obatolu, Aisha Shuaibu, Akpan Michael, Solomon Oludaisi, Uchenna Asife, Ugochi Otti, Amadi Chukwuemeka, Okabonye Chukwuani, Barikisu Ademoh, Maryam Yakoub, Mark Orduen and Olaide Yusuf, with Sasore Bodunrin serving as Technical Representative and Director.