The Nigeria America Football Association (NAFA) has expressed its determination to develop youths,especially students, through the game.
Mr Babajide Akeredolu,NAFA President, expressed the commitment at a news conference to unveil U-18 national teams in Lagos.
The teams are composed of students of secondary schools.
He said that, in the past two years, NAFA had strived to meet its mission to create more opportunities through the game of American football.
“We have continued to champion our HUDDLE way mantra representing Health, Unity, Diversity, Development, Livelihood and Entertainment.
“Today marks a great milestone for us as an organisation as we are excited to see our growth trajectory as one of the fastest growing sport entities.
“We are excited to announce the establishment of the first Under-18 national teams for ‘Flag Football’ which is being positioned to compete in future International championships,” he said.
Akeredolu said that to achieve its aim, NAFA engaged over 12 young American football enthusiasts all over Lagos to assist in assessing potential players.
According to him, criteria such as speed, football acumen, agility, reaction and throw ability were leveraged to rank the players to come up with elite squad.
“This is only the beginning of the process as training and capacity building will be embarked upon to prepare boys and girls for the international arena.
“I will like to use this opportunity to thank all our facilitators for a job well done throughout the process and we look forward to working with them.
“NAFA has experienced fast and steady growth due to the acceptability and strong embrace of American Football in Nigeria.
“We have been very satisfied with the level of acceptance, we have also ensured equal representation, inclusion and diversity,” he said.