CROSS RIVER HOSTED HISTORIC NIGERIA SECONDARY SCHOOLS FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE (NSSFFL) 2025 IN CALABAR.

_Lagos Triumphs with 2  golds🥇 , Team Akwa Ibom 2 silvers🥈 , Cross River 1 Bronze 🥉& Abuja 1 bronze 🥉 _

By ETTAH EMMANUEL O.

The ancient city of Calabar marked a historic milestone as it hosted the Nigeria Secondary Schools Flag Football League, bringing together nine states at the renowned U. J. Esuene Stadium from January 14th to 16th, 2025.

The grand finale of the competition was officially launched by the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, on Thursday, with Lagos State emerging as the winner in both the male and female categories. Team Cross River secured a commendable 3rd place in the male category, while Abuja placed 3rd in the female category.

In his speech, the Deputy Governor reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Bassey Otu's administration to promoting youth engagement in sports as a key avenue for building a healthier society and empowering young people. He underscored the transformative power of sports, pledging the government's continued support for initiatives aimed at discovering and nurturing talent. Odey also stressed the government's willingness to partner with development organizations to create opportunities for the youth's advancement, including scholarship programs and career development.

Commending the tournament organizers for elevating flag football as an emerging sport, Odey emphasized that events like this are essential for uncovering the vast potential of Nigerian youth. He reassured the organizers that the state government would remain committed to hosting more national and international sporting events to further nurture talent.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, highlighted the alignment of the tournament with Governor Otu's “People First” policy, which emphasizes youth empowerment through sports. Atsu also shared the success stories of two Cross River players who had earned scholarships to universities in the U.S., showcasing the tournament's role in providing pathways for future success.

The National President of the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA), Babajide Akeredolu, praised the league’s journey, noting that events like the Aketi Bowl II are crucial in bringing American football closer to the grassroots. He also pointed out that the tournament serves as an important platform for discovering young talent and offering opportunities for scholarships and further development in sports.

The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Rt. Hon. Ekaette Okon, representing the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Deputy Speaker Hon. Sylvester Agabi, and other House of Assembly members. High-ranking officials from the state executive council were also present, alongside the President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation, Mrs. Olabisi Joseph, and the Vice Chancellor of Global Wealth University and Unique Open University, Prof. Chris Imumolen. The tournament also attracted athletes and officials from across Nigeria.

A key moment of the event was the formal kick-off of the finals by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, assisted by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem and Hon. Agnes Atsu. The commissioner for sports development. The thrilling match saw male and female teams from Lagos and Akwa Ibom States battling for the championship title.