Nigeria to host maiden Wheelchair American Football tourney

Nigeria is preparing to host its inaugural Wheelchair American Football Exhibition on Thursday, September 10, at the National Institute for Sports, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. This event marks a significant step in introducing an adaptive variant of American football to the country.

The exhibition is organized by American Football for Elite Development (AFEDEV) and is designed to foster inclusion, equal opportunity, leadership, and community participation for persons with disabilities. Wheelchair American football, which originated in the United States, is played using manual or power wheelchairs and has been developing as an adaptive sport for decades.

Organizers have extended invitations to various stakeholders, including government agencies, diplomatic missions, corporate organizations, educational institutions, disability organizations, development partners, and the media, highlighting the event's historic significance for Nigeria. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to grow American football across the nation.

Organizations like the American Football Association of Nigeria have been working to develop flag and tackle football at the grassroots level. AFEDEV's exhibition is expected to further broaden the sport's appeal by extending its reach to persons with disabilities for the first time in Nigeria, promoting a more inclusive sporting landscape.