The Akwa Ibom State male team is determined to retain their title in the 2025 Nigerian Secondary School Flag Football League (NSSFFL) Season 3 – Aketi Bowl II.
The team, which triumphed last year in Akure, Ondo State, is ready to defend their championship with a stronger, more technically skilled squad.
Team captain, 17-year-old Emmanuel Iyaknse Isaac, expressed confidence in their ability to win again, noting that the team has made significant strides since last year’s victory. “We’ve built a solid team, and we’re certain of winning the top prize of One Million Naira and scholarships,” Isaac said. “It feels great to be defending champions in this exciting sport. We truly deserve this after our victory last year.”
The tournament, held at UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar, features 180 secondary school students from across Nigeria. The Nigerian Secondary School Flag Football Championship is organized by the NSSFFL in collaboration with the Cross River State government.
“We’ve qualified for national levels, and we’re excited about the opportunities this sport offers,” Isaac added. “Flag football is gaining popularity in Nigeria due to its structure, scholarships, and prizes. We’re drawn to it because of the rewards it provides.”
The competition features nine states—FCT Abuja, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, Kwara, Rivers, Oyo, and Lagos—representing 18 schools, 36 teams, and 180 student-athletes. The top prize is One Million Naira, with second place receiving N700,000 and third place earning N350,000.
