The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) has officially confirmed that the Nigeria Federation of American Football (NFAF) is the body recognised to oversee American football in Nigeria, bringing clarity to months of discussions surrounding the country’s international status and its transition to a new governance structure.
The clarification came in an official response by IFAF Managing Director Andy Fuller, following enquiries over the continued appearance of the Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) on the world governing body’s official membership directory months after the National Sports Commission (NSC) inaugurated the NFAF.
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The response also provides important context to concerns previously raised by the President of the Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA), Babajide Akeredolu, who had questioned how the transition would align with the constitutional procedures of the International Federation of American Football.
“The risks extend further. If a new body is set up, Nigeria will lose its status as an Associate Member within the International Federation, needing a full reassessment with no guarantee of recognition.”
He also maintained that the deadline for membership applications had passed and suggested that any transition should be carefully managed to protect Nigeria’s international standing.
However, in his official clarification, Fuller explained that IFAF had been fully aware of the governance changes introduced by the National Sports Commission and the establishment of the new federation.
“Historically NAFA has been the IFAF Member Federation for Nigeria,” Fuller stated.
He added that the world governing body had monitored the restructuring process from the outset.
“IFAF is aware of the changes to the governance of the sport in Nigeria and the formation of the new body, NFAF, drawing together NAFA and other key stakeholders to serve all forms of American football from grassroots through to high performance.”
In what is widely seen as a significant endorsement of the process adopted by the National Sports Commission, Fuller also commended the Commission for the manner in which it managed the transition.
“I am deeply grateful for the transparency shown by the Sports Commission during this process.”
The IFAF Managing Director then made the federation’s position clear.
“IFAF recognises NFAF as the body charged by the Sports Commission for the oversight of the sport and our records reflect this.”
He further disclosed that the only outstanding issue is an administrative update to the federation’s public website.
“In due course, our website will be updated to reflect the leadership of NFAF.”
The clarification effectively addresses the concerns that had been raised regarding Nigeria’s international status.
While the IFAF Membership Principles state that Associate Membership is conferred through the federation’s constitutional processes, Fuller’s response confirms that IFAF already recognises the Nigeria Federation of American Football as the body mandated by the National Sports Commission to administer the sport. According to the world governing body, the remaining website update is administrative and should not be interpreted as an indication that Nigeria’s recognition is pending.
The development also represents a significant endorsement of the National Sports Commission’s approach to reforming the governance of American football in Nigeria through stakeholder engagement and collaboration with the international federation.
The clarification comes as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Düsseldorf, Germany, where the country’s men’s and women’s national teams will compete against the world’s best.
Expressing confidence in Team Nigeria, Fuller said:
“In August we will welcome the Nigerian national teams to Germany to compete in the IFAF World Championships. I have no doubt that they will represent Nigeria well on the global stage and truly showcase the talent within the country.”
For Nigerian athletes, coaches and stakeholders, the statement from IFAF provides long-awaited clarity and allows the focus to shift fully to preparations for the World Championships, with the assurance that the country’s new federation has the confidence and recognition of the sport’s international governing body.
