From Premium Times Nigeria · Tunde Eludini · · 2m
Nigerian Secondary School Flag Football League Season 5 Launch
Nigerian Secondary School Flag Football League begins Season 5 with ₦3.7m prize pool for schools.
In brief
Nigerian Secondary School Flag Football League begins Season 5 with ₦3.7m prize pool for schools. Nigerian Secondary School Flag Football League starts Season 5 with ₦3.7m prize pool for national championship participants. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
League kicks off Season 5
The Nigerian Secondary School Flag Football League will begin its fifth season on Tuesday with preliminary competitions ahead of the Aketi Bowl IV national championship.
Prize pool details
National champions receive ₦1 million each, runners-up ₦500,000, third place ₦350,000, totaling ₦3.7 million for the season.
Preliminary competitions schedule
Preliminary competitions run from 20 to 30 October across Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Benue, Cross River, Bayelsa, and Kwara states, plus FCT.
State-level venues
Venues include Bishop Phillips Academy in Oyo, Community Secondary Commercial School in Akwa Ibom, Government Secondary School in FCT, CMS Grammar School in Lagos, and St Peter’s Secondary School in Ondo.
Scholarship opportunities
Unique Open University offers scholarships to national champions for higher education, with recipients deciding between university study or other educational paths.
International pathways
The sport’s potential debut at Los Angeles 2028 Olympics could provide international competition opportunities for Nigerian athletes.
Partnerships for growth
Browns Nigeria and NFL FLAG support through the One Ball, One Flag, One Future initiative providing 2,000 footballs and 5,000 flag football kits.
School participation requirements
School principals must confirm student enrollment before students can represent their schools in the competition.
Development focus
NAFA emphasizes grassroots development and educational opportunities for student-athletes through the league structure.
Under-13 program plans
NAFA is developing an under-13 program using the storybook Jojo and the Winning Play to introduce younger children to flag football.
National championship timeline
The Aketi Bowl IV national championship will take place from 17, 20 November in Abuja after preliminary competitions.
Previous season context
Clarification on prize money was needed after previous season’s qualifiers, with no state-level prizes awarded.
Example of success
Divine Ayogu, a former Baptist Academy player, secured a U.S. scholarship through the league’s partnership with Nigerian American Football Outreach.
Future league plans
NAFA aims to create a collegiate league and expand the sport’s reach through community engagement and school partnerships.
What happens next
The league will continue its expansion with state-level competitions and national championship preparation through October 30.
What matters most
Nigerian Secondary School Flag Football League starts Season 5 with ₦3.7m prize pool for national championship participants.
