US Consulate Supports Wheelchair American Football in Nigeria

The US Consulate General in Lagos is backing the growth of wheelchair American football in Nigeria. They are working with American Football Elite Development (AFEDEV) to organize an exhibition that promotes inclusion and creates opportunities for athletes with disabilities.

The event took place on Thursday at the outdoor basketball area of the National Institute for Sports (NIS) at the National Stadium in Lagos. It brought together wheelchair athletes, sports officials, diplomats, academics, corporate organizations, and members of the public.

The US Consulate provided team jerseys, footballs, and meals for the athletes. They also helped with media coverage of the event through their press team.

Consulate representatives and members of the US diplomatic team joined the exhibition. They showed their support for sports as a way to promote inclusion and create connections among people.

The partnership with AFEDEV allowed Nigerian sports administrators from various states to watch wheelchair American football. They considered how to bring the sport to their areas.

Three exhibition games were played, featuring Iron Invicta, Liberty Pioneer, Lagos Dynamos, and Atlantic Chargers.

Liberty Pioneer stood out by winning both of its matches. They beat Iron Invicta 13-0 in the first game and then defeated Atlantic Chargers 10-3 in the third match. Atlantic Chargers had earlier won against Lagos Dynamos 7-0.

The exhibition attracted representatives from the German Embassy in Lagos, the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), and the National Institute for Sports.

The Registrar and Deputy Registrar represented the NIS. Sports officials from other states attended to learn more about the sport and see how they could replicate the initiative.

Corporate and sports organizations also supported the exhibition. This shows growing interest from the private sector in developing new sports opportunities in Nigeria.

Some of the organizations that supported the event included MILO, Pocari Sweat and Sports Assist, SHOWTIME Nemsia Studio, UOU, and AZOGI, among others.

Ojaideh Ufoma Lawrence, Executive Director of AFEDEV, spoke about the significance of the exhibition. He said, "This exhibition has demonstrated what is possible when athletes, diplomatic missions, government institutions, universities, businesses, the media, and the wider sporting community come together around a shared vision."

He added, "We are particularly grateful to the U.S. Consulate General Lagos for collaborating with AFEDEV and providing practical support that helped make this event possible. Their contribution went beyond attendance; it directly supported the athletes and the successful delivery of the exhibition."

Lawrence also noted the interest shown by sports officials from other states who came to observe the sport and explore ways to replicate it.

For AFEDEV, this is just the beginning. They plan to create a structured path for the growth of wheelchair American football in Nigeria.

AFEDEV will start discussions with more states and partners. They aim to develop athletes, coaches, and officials, along with planning future exhibitions and competitions.

AFEDEV's broader programs include flag football, tackle football, wheelchair American football, athlete development, coaching, community engagement, and youth leadership initiatives.