The Adamawa State Ministry of Education, Human and Capital Development, in partnership with the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA), has launched a new sports initiative introducing Flag Football into primary and secondary schools across the state.
The pilot programme commenced on Monday at the GMMS Football Pitch 3, with students from selected schools participating in introductory training sessions.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Allen Abraham Alhassan, the State Desk Officer and Schools Sports Coordinator, who represented the Commissioner for Education, commended NAFA for its commitment to grassroots sports development. He assured that the initiative would be expanded across all government schools in the state.
“As a ministry, we welcome this innovative sport and are committed to ensuring it is adopted in our school sports curriculum,” Alhassan said.
Flag Football equipment was officially handed over to the state representative by NAFA Coach Tobi Abe, for onward distribution and use in schools.
Also speaking, Mr. Julius Christopher, Director of Sports at the State Education Board, who stood in for the Acting Executive Secretary, described Flag Football as a safe, non-contact variation of American football.
“Instead of tackling, players aim to remove flags from opponents’ waists, making it safer and more suitable for school-age children,” he said.
He explained that the initiative is part of a broader NAFA coaching tour across northern Nigeria, with stops in Bauchi, Kano, and Adamawa States. According to him, the programme has already shown improvement in student engagement and performance.
A member of the NAFA team said the project was aimed at creating awareness of the sport and exposing Nigerian youth to alternative career paths in athletics.
“Flag Football is a fast-growing global sport. Through this awareness, we hope to see more children embrace it as a professional opportunity,” he said, adding that Adamawa was fortunate to be among the early adopters.
Participating schools in the Under-17 category included Government Model Secondary School (GMMC), Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), GDSS Wuro Hausa, GDSS Yolde Pate, and Government Science and Technical College (GSTC) Yola. For the Under-12 category, Demsawo Primary School and Old GRA Primary School took part.
Students expressed excitement and enthusiasm during the training sessions, which were described as both engaging and educational.
Observers say the initiative could mark a new chapter in sports development in Adamawa, expanding opportunities for young athletes and diversifying school sports offerings in the state.
