Nigeria’s men’s and women’s flag football squads will be absent from the imminent world championships in Germany, as confirmed by the International Federation of American Football on Monday. The delegation encountered difficulties in obtaining the required visas, leading to their withdrawal from the tournament. Consequently, teams scheduled to face Nigeria in the initial group stage will receive automatic victories.
The championship serves as the primary Olympic qualification event for flag football, setting the stage for its inclusion in the LA28 Games. The top two finishers in both the men’s and women’s categories, excluding the United States, will secure direct qualification for the 2028 Olympics. Despite being the reigning champions in both divisions, the U.S. has already secured a spot as the host nation.
Nevertheless, Nigeria still holds the opportunity to secure a ticket to Los Angeles. A top-two finish at the forthcoming continental championship in the following year will position them to compete in the final round of qualification through the “Olympic Q-Series.” The upcoming Los Angeles Games will feature six men’s and six women’s teams vying for glory.
In a joint statement with the National Sports Commission of Nigeria and the Nigerian Federation of American Football, IFAF expressed its disappointment over the visa issues that prevented the Nigerian teams from participating in the championships. Despite extensive efforts to facilitate their travel, the visas could not be processed in time for the event.
IFAF has actively promoted the growth of flag football in Africa in preparation for the 2028 Olympics. Nigeria showcased its prowess by clinching victory in the inaugural IFAF African Flag Football Championships in Cairo last year, triumphing in both the men’s and women’s categories. Notably, Nigeria boasted a significant representation in the NFL in the previous season, with 19 Nigerian-born players on league rosters at the commencement of the 2025 season.