By Aderonke Ojo
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, on Tuesday inaugurated the first Board of the Nigerian American Football Federation (NAFF) in Abuja.
He describing the development as a significant step in the growth and diversification of sports in the country.
Dikko said the formal recognition of American football as Nigeria’s newest National Sports Federation signalled the country’s openness to innovation and new opportunities within its sports ecosystem.
“This is clear evidence that Nigerian sports is opening itself to new ideas, new opportunities and new frontiers,” he said.
He noted that American football was one of the fastest-growing sports globally, adding that its emphasis on teamwork, discipline, strategy and structure aligned with the values the commission sought to promote.
According to him, bringing the sport under the NSC framework demonstrates government’s commitment to inclusiveness and structured sports development.
Dikko said the inauguration also aligned with the Renewed Hope and Shared Prosperity Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which aims to reposition Nigeria for inclusive growth, youth empowerment and economic opportunity.
“Sports has a clear role to play in this national journey. That is why the National Sports Commission is driving a new direction, one that treats sports not just as recreation, but as a serious contributor to the economy and national development,” he said.
The NSC chairman referenced the recent Super Bowl, where six athletes of Nigerian descent featured, with four emerging winners, while Uchenna Nwosu sealed victory for the Seattle Seahawks with the final touchdown.
He described their achievements as a testament to Nigerian talent when provided with structure, opportunity and support.
“Our task now is to ensure that such opportunities are not limited to Nigerians abroad. We must build systems at home that allow young Nigerians to discover this sport early, develop properly and compete confidently on the global stage,” he said.
Dikko stated that under the Commission’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), all federations were expected to align with national priorities, including strong governance, transparency, grassroots development and sustainable funding.
He charged the NAFF Board to establish solid institutional foundations, collaborate with schools, universities, the military and the private sector, and prioritise athlete welfare, education and integrity.
“Sports must create value, generate jobs, inspire unity and earn public trust through good governance and professionalism,” he said, assuring the board of the commission’s support while urging members to deliver results with vision and integrity.
The NSC Boss who commended the charismatic leadership of the Director General, Hon Bukola Olopade, for brokering peace amongst the various Warring factions in the Sports, said Nigeria can now fully maximise the potential it has in American football with the Sports
being officially run as a Federation.
The Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade whose conflict resolution skills ensured the birthing of the Federation, also tasked the new board members to pull their skills and expertise together to grow the sport beyond where it is currently.
” We have some of the brightest young men as stakeholders in American football and the Sport is one of the fastest growing sports in the Country”.
Members of the new board include Babajide Akeredolu ( President ), Idris Shuaibu, Azeez Amida, Sasore Bodunrin (Technical Representative and Director), Ized Meremoth, Lawrence Ojaide, Seye Obatolu, Aisha Shuaibu, Akpan Michael, Solomon Oludaisi, Miss Uchenna Asife and Mrs. Ugochi Otti.
Other members are Amadi Chukwuemeka, Okabonye Chukwuani, Barikisu Ademoh, Maryam Yakoub, Mark Orduen, Olaide Yusuf and Dr Oluyonmi Oluwasanmi.