Nigerian Federation Press Conference

Nigerian Minister of Sport dons the IFAF Helmet to mark the government's support for American Football in Nigeria, as presented by IFAF Treasurer Scott Hallenbeck

The National Sports Stadium Press Room in Abuja was packed for the press conference

IFAF's whirlwind tour of Nigeria continued with a large press conference at the National Sports Stadium in the capital city of Abuja.  The Minister of Sports in Nigeria proudly hosted the event, welcoming various local leaders, including those involved with growing sports at the grassroots level.

It was a key moment in the foundation of the sport in the Nigeria, as the event was aired live on television and publicly showed the government's support. "I am very familiar with American Football," said the Minister of Sport, "In fact, I attended Oklahoma State University. I'm a Cowboy!"

IFAF Treasurer Scott Hallenbeck greeted the crowd and assembled press, as well as made a ceremonial gift of an IFAF Helmet.  Amobi Okoye, whose work in the country through his own foundation has been well documented, presented the minister with a Houston Texans jersey.  The partnership between the Amobi Okoye Foundation and IFAF has created a strong team with a common goal of launching the sport.

"I'm a Cowboy!"  IFAF has a great ally for American Football with the Nigerian Minister of Sport - who proudly declared his own affinity for the game by proclaiming the mascot of his alma mater, Oklahoma State University.

IFAF and Amobe Okoye Foundation representatives pose with local leaders after the meeting