Joint Statement from the International Federation of American Football, the National Sports Commission of Nigeria and the Nigerian Federation of American Football

The International Federation of American Football (IFAF), the National Sports Commission of Nigeria and the Nigerian Federation of American Football regret to confirm the withdrawal of Nigeria’s men’s and women’s national teams from the IFAF Flag Football World Championships Düsseldorf 2026.

The withdrawal follows the inability of the travelling delegation to secure the necessary visas in time for the Championships.

Over the past 10 days, IFAF, together with its event partners and the relevant authorities, has made significant efforts behind the scenes to explore every possible avenue to enable the teams to travel to Germany. Regrettably, all parties were informed this morning that the visas would not be issued in time for the Championships.

Our thoughts are first and foremost with the athletes and team staff, who have worked hard to earn their place at these Championships as the inaugural IFAF African Flag Football Champions. They were looking forward to proudly representing Nigeria and making their debut appearance on the world stage.

Due to the timing of the withdrawal, it is not possible to replace the Nigerian men’s and women’s teams with the respective reserve teams from the 2025 IFAF African Flag Football Championships. In accordance with the Competition Regulations, teams scheduled to play Nigeria in the group stage will be awarded an automatic victory.

While Nigeria will not take part in Düsseldorf, the nation’s pathway to the Olympic Games LA28 remains open. The Nigerian men’s and women’s teams will have the opportunity to compete at the 2027 IFAF Continental Championships, where a top-two finish would secure qualification to the Olympic Q-Series, the final stage of qualification for the LA28 Olympic Games.

IFAF, the National Sports Commission of Nigeria and the Nigerian Federation of American Football remain committed to the continued growth of flag football in Nigeria and across Africa. The remarkable achievement of becoming Africa’s first continental champions has demonstrated the country’s immense potential in the sport, and all parties look forward to supporting the athletes as they continue their journey towards future international success.

The three organisations thank everyone who worked tirelessly in recent days in an effort to facilitate the teams’ participation.

For more information:

IFAF:

Catherine Inkster: catherine.inkster@americanfootball.sport / Ph. +44 7789 400 798 (UK)

Nigerian Federation of American Football:

Mr Davies Oludare: info@nfaf.ng