Nigeria’s flag football teams retain Olympic hopes after world event exit
Nigeria’s men’s and women’s flag football teams have withdrawn from the International Federation of American Football Flag Football World Championships in Düsseldorf due to visa issues. Despite this setback, both teams still have a pathway to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games. The withdrawal was confirmed in a joint statement from the International Federation of American Football, the National Sports Commission, and the Nigerian Federation of American Football. The teams previously secured qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships after their success at the African Flag Football Championship.
Match highlights
- Nigeria’s withdrawal from the World Championships was due to visa problems, as confirmed by a joint statement.
- The teams had earned their spot at the World Championships by winning the first African Flag Football Championship in Cairo, Egypt.
- As a result of the withdrawal, teams scheduled to play Nigeria in the group stage will be awarded automatic victories.
- Nigeria can still qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games by competing at the 2027 IFAF Continental Championships and securing a top-two finish.
- Six quota places per gender are available for the Olympic flag football tournament, with further opportunities at the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships and the Olympic Qualifier Series.
