The leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC), under the Chairmanship of Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has received a significant endorsement from the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) following the world governing body’s confirmation that the Nigeria Federation of American Football (NFAF) is the organisation recognised to oversee the sport in Nigeria.

The clarification, issued by IFAF Managing Director Andy Fuller, validates the process undertaken by the National Sports Commission in February 2026 when it inaugurated the NFAF after extensive consultations aimed at unifying the administration of American football under one national structure.

Read Also: BREAKING! No Congress Approval Needed: IFAF Confirms Recognition of NFAF, Ends Speculation Over Nigeria’s International Status | Sports247 Nigeria

Responding to enquiries on Nigeria’s membership status, Fuller explained that IFAF had been fully aware of the governance reforms introduced by the National Sports Commission and the establishment of the new federation.

«”Historically NAFA has been the IFAF Member Federation for Nigeria,” Fuller said.»

He noted that the international federation had followed the transition process from the beginning.

«”IFAF is aware of the changes to the governance of the sport in Nigeria and the formation of the new body, NFAF, drawing together NAFA and other key stakeholders to serve all forms of American football from grassroots through to high performance.”»

In what many stakeholders have described as a major vote of confidence in Nigeria’s sports administration, Fuller reserved special commendation for the National Sports Commission over the manner in which the transition was managed.

«”I am deeply grateful for the transparency shown by the Sports Commission during this process.”»

The commendation is expected to reinforce confidence in the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, whose administration has consistently maintained that the establishment of the NFAF was aimed at bringing all stakeholders together under a single governing structure capable of driving the sustainable growth of American football across Nigeria.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of Fuller’s clarification was his unequivocal confirmation that the International Federation of American Football already recognises the Nigeria Federation of American Football as the body mandated by the National Sports Commission to administer the sport.

«”IFAF recognises NFAF as the body charged by the Sports Commission for the oversight of the sport and our records reflect this,” Fuller stated.»

He further explained that the only outstanding matter is an administrative update to IFAF’s public website.

«”In due course, our website will be updated to reflect the leadership of NFAF.”»

The statement also brings clarity to earlier speculation that Nigeria would have to wait for a future IFAF Congress before the country’s new federation could receive international recognition.

While IFAF’s Membership Principles provide that Associate Membership is conferred by Congress, the world governing body’s latest clarification confirms that the transition involving Nigeria has already been acknowledged. According to IFAF, the remaining update to its website is purely administrative and should not be interpreted as a constitutional or procedural obstacle to the federation’s recognition.

The development represents another milestone in the National Sports Commission’s efforts to reposition Nigerian sports through dialogue, stakeholder engagement, institutional reforms and adherence to international best practices.

It also provides certainty ahead of the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Düsseldorf, Germany, where Nigeria will compete in both the men’s and women’s competitions.

Expressing confidence in Team Nigeria, Fuller said:

«”In August we will welcome the Nigerian national teams to Germany to compete in the IFAF World Championships. I have no doubt that they will represent Nigeria well on the global stage and truly showcase the talent within the country.”»

For many within the American football community, the statement from the world governing body represents far more than a clarification. It is a strong endorsement of the National Sports Commission’s transparent approach to reform and a clear affirmation that the process leading to the establishment of the Nigeria Federation of American Football was undertaken with the knowledge, confidence and recognition of the sport’s international governing body.

With the issue of international recognition now clarified, the focus is expected to shift entirely to preparations for the World Championships, as Nigeria looks to build on its growing reputation as one of Africa’s emerging forces in American football and flag football.