A total of 75 secondary schools are participating in the season two of the Nigeria Secondary School Flag Football (NSSFFL) being hosted by Ondo State and organised by the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA).
The 75 secondary schools were drawn from seven states across the country to participate in the game christened “Our National Championship Game for the Foreseeable Future.”
President of NAFA, Babajide Akeredolu, who spoke at a press conference in Akure, said the competition would run from July 31st to August 5th, 2023.
Akeredolu, who was represented by NAFA Secretary, Lawrence Ojaideh, said the association was determined to provide a viable platform for Nigerian youths to utilise American football for both personal and national development.
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Akeredolu noted that the vision was intended for students in secondary schools (High School) between the ages of 12 and 18.
“The NSSFFL Season 2 commenced in May with great anticipation, showcasing exciting games in the preliminaries and embracing the inclusion of new states, elevating it to a multi-state spectacle.
“A total of seven states participated in the preliminaries, including Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Abuja, Akwa Ibom, and Osun.
“This season witnessed the active involvement of 75 secondary schools from these states, with over 2000 student athletes competing passionately.
“The preliminary games proved to be a captivating showcase of talent, leaving audiences enthralled with thrilling displays of skill and sportsmanship. As the competition unfolds, we eagerly look forward to witnessing the prowess and determination of these remarkable young athletes,” he said.
Ondo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Bamidele Ologunloluwa, said the NSSFFL league wad a best way to unify the youths.
“Anything that is about sports development, we are always happy to participate. Let’s encourage our wards to be at the event. Sports is a unifier, it’s one of the way to curb social vices,” he said.