NAFA Launches Gridiron Gems to Empower 150,000 Nigerian Girls Through American Football

NAFA Launches Gridiron Gems to Empower 150,000 Nigerian Girls Through American Football

In a big win for youth empowerment and gender inclusion, the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA), in partnership with Browns Nigeria, has officially kicked off its Gridiron Gems programme in Lagos.

The initiative is all about introducing American football to 150,000 girls across Nigeria—while also equipping them with leadership skills, personal development tools, and a strong sense of self-worth.

The launch event brought together key voices from sports, gender advocacy, and community development. It featured lively panel discussions and hands-on breakout sessions focused on topics like personal safety, confidence, and the importance of continuous learning.

One of the standout voices at the event was Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, former First Lady of Ondo State, who drew from her experience with the BEMORE bootcamp. She spoke passionately about the power of programmes like Gridiron Gems to help girls boost their self-esteem and realise their potential.

“Empowerment is knowledge-based,” she said, stressing the importance of giving girls the tools to take charge of their futures.

NAFA President and Co-founder, Babajide Akeredolu, highlighted that American football is for everyone—regardless of height or body type.

“Every girl can find a place on the field,” he said, adding that the sport also teaches teamwork, discipline, and leadership.

CEO of Gameday, Lolia Kienka, inspired the girls in attendance with a powerful message:

“Stand up for yourself. Know your worth. Keep pushing to be better.”

Gridiron Gems isn’t just about playing a sport—it’s a movement. According to NAFA’s legal rep and programme coordinator, Nancy Damhindi, the long-term goal is to train 10,000 women as coaches and referees and reach over 150,000 girls by 2030.

To back that up, the programme includes practical workshops alongside football drills. Girls took part in sessions on digital literacy, self-defence, and entrepreneurship—reinforcing that sports can go hand in hand with education and economic independence.

With over 400 attendees at the Lagos launch, NAFA made it clear they’re serious about changing the game for girls in Nigeria. They also plan to build more local partnerships with schools and grassroots organisations to keep expanding the programme’s reach.

Bottom line? Gridiron Gems isn’t just about football—it’s about helping girls across Nigeria grow stronger, smarter, and more confident on and off the field.