Lagos dethrones Akwa Ibom in 2024 Nigeria Secondary School football tournament

The Lagos State male and female teams emerged champions in the 2024 Secondary School Football Tournament winning a cash prize of N1 million, while Akwa Ibom State, the defending champion, got N700,000. Abuja came third in the female category, and Cross River State also third but in the male category, with both winning cash prizes of N350,000 each.

The Flag Football National Tournament final took place at the U.J. Esuene Stadium Calabar, Cross River State, and was organized by the Nigeria America Football Association.

Speaking after the competition Babajide Akeredolu, president, Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA), thanked Cross River State for being a good host and all the participating schools that took part in the tournament.

He noted that the introduction of American football to Nigeria in 2019 has created job opportunities, facilitated skill development, and brought recognition to many young people, highlighting the significant role of football and other sports in creating prospects for Nigerian youth.

Emmanuel Ebong, vice president, Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), emphasized on how the partnership between NAFA and NSSF has brought attention to flag football, a sport that was previously not well-known in Nigeria.

“One cannot conduct school sports without the involvement of NSSF, which oversees the youth under the ministry of sports. Most athletes who represent Nigeria at national and international levels begin their journey with us at NSSF.

“It is important to keep young minds engaged in positive activities to deter them from crime. Sports serve as a powerful avenue for many to achieve success, which is why we focus on nurturing talent from an early age,” he stated.

Earlier, Bassey Out, governor of Cross River State, promised that the game would be introduced in secondary and primary schools in the state.

The governor, who was represented by Peter Odey, his deputy, said that Cross River State will popularise the games in the state and promised to emerge victorious in the next competition.