One of the key figures behind the rapid rise of American football in Nigeria, Lawrence Ojaideh, has officially resigned from his position as Vice President of Strategy and Growth at the Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA).
The resignation, which took effect on May 11, 2026, marks the end of another important chapter for a man widely regarded as one of the driving forces behind the expansion and structure of American football in Nigeria.
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In his resignation letter addressed to NAFA President Babajide Akeredolu. Ojaideh revealed that his decision was driven by a desire to focus on broader developmental initiatives within the sport, athlete growth systems, and emerging international opportunities.
“I believe my impact is better aligned with building more structured development systems and engaging with opportunities that operate at a wider level,” he stated.
The respected sports administrator also emphasized that the decision reflects his long-term commitment to advancing the game beyond administrative titles.
His departure comes at a time when NAFA decided to restructure it’s organisation
Ojaideh played several strategic roles within the organization over the years, including serving as Secretary-General and Sporting Director for Nigeria’s national teams. He was also heavily involved in administrative development, grassroots expansion, and institutional growth across the country.
Reacting to the resignation, NAFA President Babajide Akeredolu praised Ojaideh’s immense contribution to the organization, describing his service as instrumental to the association administrative and governance structure.
In an official acceptance letter dated May 13, 2026, the NAFA leadership acknowledged his “diligence, commitment to institutional integrity, and lasting contribution to the sport in Nigeria.”
The association further noted that many of the structures established during his tenure would remain part of NAFA’s long-term foundation.
“You were instrumental in laying much of the administrative and governance foundation upon which NAFA continues to operate,” the letter stated.
Ojaideh’s influence within Nigerian American football has continued to attract recognition beyond the association itself. His role in helping establish pathways for youth participation, school competitions, and international visibility contributed significantly to Nigeria’s emergence as one of Africa’s fastest-growing American football nations.
Although stepping away from his executive role, sources close to the development suggest Ojaideh remains committed to supporting the growth of American football and athlete development projects within Nigeria and beyond.
For many stakeholders within the sport, his resignation may signal not an exit, but the beginning of a broader vision focused on long-term development, global partnerships, and new opportunities for Nigerian athletes on the international stage.
