Nigeria to Stage First Wheelchair American Football Exhibition in Lagos
Wheelchair American football, developed in the U.S. and typically played on indoor courts, will be showcased to highlight its accessibility and potential to foster inclusion in Nigerian sports.
LAGOS, Nigeria — Nigeria will host its first-ever Wheelchair American Football Exhibition on Thursday, September 10, at the Outdoor Basketball Arena of the National Institute for Sports inside the National Stadium complex in Surulere, Lagos.
The event is being organised by American Football for Elite Development (AFEDEV) to introduce an adapted version of the sport for athletes with disabilities. It is expected to promote wider participation, equal access to sporting opportunities, leadership and stronger community engagement among persons with disabilities.
Wheelchair American football was developed in the United States and is generally played on indoor courts. Participants compete using either manual or powered wheelchairs, allowing athletes with different physical abilities to take part in the game.
Organisers say the Lagos exhibition represents an important step for disability-inclusive sports in Nigeria. Government institutions, diplomatic missions, private companies, schools, disability rights groups, development organisations and media professionals have been invited to attend.
The programme also comes as interest in American football continues to grow across Nigeria. The American Football Association of Nigeria and other stakeholders have been working to expand grassroots participation through flag football and tackle football initiatives.
AFEDEV said the exhibition will help ensure that persons with disabilities are not left out of the sport’s development in the country. The organisation believes the event could open the door to more adaptive sporting programmes and create a stronger platform for inclusion in Nigerian sports.
