Ladies and gentlemen of the press, esteemed guests, and fellow sports enthusiasts,
I stand before you today with immense joy and excitement as we gather to herald the opening of season 2 of our prestigious national secondary school flag football tournament in Akure, Ondo state – the Aketi Bowl.
Our decision to name the tournament after our pioneer chairman, the Governor of Ondo State is very deliberate. We owe our meteoric growth over the last two years to his unwavering support to our organization and having resolved to immortalize him, we shall continue to build on his impact and legacy.
This tournament, the second of many to come, marks yet another significant step in the growth of American football in Nigeria, and I couldn’t be prouder of the strides we have made as an organisation in this exhilarating sport.
ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE OUR INAUGURAL SEASON
Last year, at the opening ceremony of the Lagos tournament, I mentioned our plans to bring more states onboard for the second season of the Nigerian Secondary School Flag Football league. Today, I am thrilled to announce that this vision has become a reality, and the Aketi Bowl is happening with the involvement of 6 new states and over 36 teams all of whom will be touching down in Akure in the Sunshine State for a week of intense competition. We welcome all players and staff from Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Abuja and Ondo State.
Many of you here are new to NAFA so permit me to reel out some facts on the organization. Our organization was conceptualized in 2019 with mission to the game of American football in Nigeria. We were officially registered as an organization in 2020 and decided to focus on three core pillars; Awareness, Capacity Building and sport development. On the area of awareness, we have taken the sport of American football from majorly 3 locations; Lagos, Abuja and Zaria and grown it to 10 states. Our reach extends to over 10,000 actively participating athletes and over 30,000 spectators. On the area of capacity building, our efforts have yielded remarkable results, with a breakdown of field officials trained as follows: 55 in 2020, 200 in 2021, and an impressive 700 in 2022, culminating in a total of 955 skilled and empowered individuals. Sports development has been made possible through our pioneer league the NSSFFL and our planned collegiate and semi professional leagues.
NAFA’S ACTIVITIES FROM 2019 – 2023
The Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA) has tirelessly strived to fulfill its mission of creating more opportunities through the game of American football. Guided by our unwavering commitment to the HUDDLE way mantra – Health, Unity, Diversity, Development, Livelihood, and Entertainment – we continue to make transformative changes in the lives of our youth.
Our dedication to changing lives has yielded incredible results. Last year, 141 of our athletes were awarded scholarships at Global Wealth University in Togo, with many already enrolled and excelling academically and athletically. In addition, ten promising athletes who participated in the NSSFFL 1st season were drafted into the Uprise League Commission by Osi Umeniorah, a former American football player with the National Football League (NFL). For us, the manifestation of creating pathways for growth through American football is a delight and an impetus for us to do more.
I am delighted to further announce that NAFA has welcomed an exceptional addition to our team as an ambassador – none other than the illustrious Jeff Okudah. Jeff’s remarkable achievements in American football, both on the college level and in the NFL, have made us incredibly proud to be associated with him. His presence in the NAFA family is a testament to the growing appeal of American football in Nigeria, as well as the beyond borders recognition of our collective efforts. Jeff’s passion for the sport and commitment to giving back to the community align perfectly with NAFA’s values. We have no doubt that his presence will inspire, motivate, and encourage our young athletes to dream big, work hard, and go all-out for greatness.
THE AKETI BOWL
Today, as we witness the opening of the Aketi Bowl, we celebrate not only the spirit of competition and sportsmanship but also the fruits of our collective efforts to embrace American football as a nation. This tournament brings together some of the most talented young athletes from across Nigeria, eager to showcase their skills and passion for the game.
The Aketi Bowl represents not only a celebration of sports but also a symbol of the opportunities we have created for our youth. Through the Nigerian Secondary School Flag Football League, we have witnessed lives being transformed, talents being nurtured, and futures being shaped for the better.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners– globally and locally, our sponsors, (Ondo State Government, The Lagos Sports Commission, the NSSF, Centurion, all members of the planning committees and personally my Leaders who are too many to mention – they never get tired of supporting me), the media – who have embraced our vision and amplified our message across the nation, and the parents of all these children who have been released and encouraged to participate in these games. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for being integral to the success of NAFA and the growth of American football in Nigeria.
As we experience the unfolding of the Aketi Bowl, let us all heartily cheer our talented athletes, support fair play, and celebrate the spirit of camaraderie that sports foster amongst us. To my participating athletes, remember that whether you win or lose, embracing the values of sportsmanship, resilience, and unity that American football embodies will make you true champions.
I am confident that with the passion and dedication of our young athletes, the guidance of our coaches and mentors, and the collective support of the entire nation, American football in Nigeria will continue to soar to new heights, reaching unprecedented levels of success on both national and international stages.
Thank you for joining us today at this momentous occasion, and I wish all the participating teams the very best in the Aketi Bowl.
Thank you.
Babajide Akeredolu