In an inspiring showcase of synergy between sports, education, and empowerment, the Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) and BROWNS NIGERIA through their Gridiron Gems Initiative partnered with the BEMORE Empowered Foundation to bring flag football to the 2025 BEMORE Summer Bootcamp. This collaboration aimed to provide young Nigerian girls with the tools, training, and confidence to lead both on and off the field.
The partnership, which launched in August during the Bemore Summer Bootcamp which commenced on the 24th of August and ended on the 6th of September, represents a significant milestone in Gridiron Gems’ mission to take American flag football into unconventional and impactful spaces. With a shared vision for girl-child empowerment, the Gridiron Gems and BEMORE united to create an unforgettable experience for over 40 campers introducing them to flag football for the very first time.
“This partnership is a celebration of what’s possible when vision meets action,” said NAFA President, Babajide Akeredolu. “Bemore has built a legacy of empowering girls, and Gridiron Gems is proud to add the power of sport to that journey.”
Four Days of Fun, Football, and Foundational Growth
Across four action-packed days, the Gridiron Gems team which included coaches from team Nigeria, NAFA’s Head (NFL Certified), athletes from Nigeria’s Women’s National Flag Football Team who served as coaches, and volunteers delivered immersive sessions blending technical skills with life-building values.
Day 1 opened with theory and practical training, equipping girls with the basic rules, terminology, and gameplay structures. As confidence grew, so did performance. Day 2 saw the girls drafted into teams Browns, Knights of Camelot, Crystal Gems, and Bemore Icons fostering camaraderie and healthy competition. By Day 3, drills had evolved into structured scrimmages, and Day 4 culminated in an exhibition game that showcased the grit, growth, and grace of each participant.
“We’re following our plan to introduce the sport to as many young women as possible and broaden their minds about opportunities in American football,” said Nancy Damhindi, Coordinator of the Gridiron Gems Initiative. “Through this collaboration with BEMORE, we’re not just teaching football we’re developing leaders.”
One of the most striking moments of the final scrimmage was a comeback play from a previously discouraged player who went on to score the winning touchdown and extra point.
“I told her I believed in her, and she delivered. “That’s the power of this sport,” shared Coach Uche Henry, a member of the National Women’s Flag Football Team. “It teaches resilience, and these girls have it in abundance.”
Awards and Accolades
To cap off the program, special awards were presented during the BEMORE Bootcamp closing ceremony, with categories including Best Offensive Player, Best Defensive Player, Best Quarterback, Best Rusher, Most Improved, and Overall MVP. Each recipient received a branded football as a symbol of encouragement to keep practicing.
“Flag football has changed how I see myself,” said Promise, a 16-year-old BEMORE participant. “I learned how to be part of a team, lead others, and never give up.”
“We believe in raising girls who are not just skilled, but unstoppable,” added Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, Founder of BEMORE Empowered Foundation. “Flag football brings a new dimension to our mission, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with NAFA to make it happen.”
Looking Forward
This activation is part of a broader commitment by NAFA and BROWNS NIGERIA to reach 150,000 girls across Nigeria by 2030 through flag football. With continued support from BEMORE and other partners, the program will expand grassroots engagement, certify coaches, and open new doors for girls in sport and leadership.
For more information or to support the Gridiron Gems Initiative, please contact Nancy Damhindi at gems@nafa.ng.
About the Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA)
The Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) is Nigeria’s only National body dedicated to growing the game of American Football. Established in 2019, its vision is to create opportunities through the game of American football. Since its inception, To date, NAFA has introduced the game of American Football directly to over 10,000 young men and women in 18 States and over 300 schools and has led Nigeria to its first victory at the maiden Africa Continental Flag Football Championship games. NAFA is an Associate member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF).
For more information, contact press@nafa.ng
About Gridiron Gems Initiative
The Gridiron Gems Initiative is the flagship female-focused program of the Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) and Browns Nigeria, dedicated to advancing gender inclusion and unlocking leadership pathways for girls and young women in American football. Launched in 2025, Gridiron Gems exists to increase female participation in the sport not only on the field as athletes, coaches, and referees, but also off the field in leadership, media, and advocacy roles.
For more information, contact gems@nafa.ng
About BEMORE Empowered Foundation
The BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation is dedicated to equipping young girls, including those with disabilities, with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive. Its mission focuses on STEM + entrepreneurship education, leadership development, and advocating for gender equality. Key programs include the BEMORE Summer Bootcamp, which provides STEM training, laptops, and solar systems; the Inclusive Empowerment Initiative for hearing-impaired girls; mentorship programs; and community engagement projects. Since its inception, BEMORE has empowered over 3000 girls to pursue STEM careers, start businesses, and advocate for equality, envisioning a future where every girl exceeds societal expectations and leads with confidence.
About BROWNS NIGERIA
As part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program, the Cleveland Browns are the first NFL team to be granted international marketing rights in Nigeria, aiming to grow the game of American football in the country as BROWNS NIGERIA, through fan engagement, marketing, and community initiatives, including partnering with the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA).
For more information, visit https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/fans/nigeria
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