Nigeria’s men’s and women’s flag football teams will not participate in the upcoming world championships in Germany due to visa issues, as confirmed by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) on Monday. Consequently, the teams will not be replaced, and opponents scheduled to face Nigeria in the group stage will receive automatic victories.
The top two finishers in both the men’s and women’s competitions, excluding the United States, will directly qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games. The U.S., the defending champions in both categories, has secured a spot as hosts of the Olympics. However, Nigeria still has an opportunity to qualify for the Los Angeles Games. A top-two finish at the continental championship next year would enable Nigeria to compete in the final stage of qualification known as the “Olympic Q-Series.”
Six men’s and six women’s teams are set to compete at the Los Angeles Games. Despite extensive efforts by IFAF, event partners, and relevant authorities to facilitate the teams’ travel to Germany, visa issuance delays led to the unfortunate decision. IFAF, along with the National Sports Commission of Nigeria and the Nigerian Federation of American Football, expressed disappointment at the situation.
IFAF has been actively promoting the growth of flag football in Africa in preparation for the 2028 Olympics, with Nigeria clinching the titles at the inaugural IFAF African Flag Football Championships in Cairo last year for both men’s and women’s divisions. Notably, Nigeria boasted a significant presence in the NFL last year, with 19 Nigerian-born players in the league at the beginning of the 2025 season.