U.S. envoy supports American football development, meets NAFA U-18 team

American football PHOTO: Pexels

United States’ new envoy to Nigeria, Williams B Stevens, has promised more support for the development of American football in the country.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) and the newly-established national U-18 men and women flag football teams, Stevens charged the players to show more interest in the sport, having been trained to represent the country at international championships held next year.

He commended NAFA for its efforts at creating awareness of the sport through a grassroots development programme, saying that the country has enough talented players to grow the game of in Nigeria.

Earlier, NAFA’s General Secretary, Lawrence Ojaideh, told The Guardian that the American ambassador’s visit would help bring a healthy collaboration with the U.S. Embassy. 

“As the association rounds off its activities this year, we plan to organise more events, including the 2023 Nigeria Secondary Schools Flag Football League (NSSFFL) Season II states’ preliminaries this month in eight states.

He added that NAFA would also visit with the Lagos State Sports Chairman and Director General of the Sports Council to create more awareness of the game.

“NAFA will also open a training camp this year for the national U-18 men and women teams ahead of 2023 International engagements,” he said.

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