As Enjuh Enabel – the coach of Cameroon's national women's flag football team– wrapped the final portion of the coach's clinic that kicked off the Gridiron Gem program's launch in Lagos, Nigeria, the women in attendance decided to take the knowledge they had just learned and put it into practice on the field.
They stepped out onto the grass field at the Digital Bridge Institute located inside the Haven Tower, and for over two hours practiced the drills and plays they had learned about flag football.
More than 200 female athletes, coaches, referees, government leaders, and female sports advocates gathered over the span of two days to participate in a coach's clinic and launch the Gridiron Gems program to empower women in sports. The Gridiron Gems program, created by the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA) and in partnership with the Browns, is focused on enhancing women's involvement in flag football.
The program is encompassed by six pillars: player participation and outreach, networking and mentorship, safeguarding and wellness, training and capacity building, advocacy and awareness, and scholarship and empowerment. Gridiron Gems is set to drive both athletic and personal growth. The program also aims to develop pathways, nurture talent and open opportunities for female athletes across Nigeria.
"The launch of the Gridiron Gems Initiative represents a bold step forward for women in sport in Nigeria," Gridiron Gems program coordinator Nancy Damhindi said. "This program serves as a platform for visibility, leadership and opportunity designed to ensure that young women can thrive both on and off the field. Through our strategic partnership with Browns Nigeria and the Cleveland Browns, we are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive future in American football one where girls and women are not just included but are the bedrock of progress. The support and momentum we've seen so far signal that we're on the right track and we're just getting started."
The program's launch began with a coaching clinic on April 15 designed to introduce International Federation of American Football (IFAF) flag rules to current players, coaches and referees. The clinic was facilitated by three coaches which included Enabel, Blessing Suleiman of Nigeria and Maryam Michael of Nigeria. The clinic ended with on-field drills where the athletes and coaches showcased what they learned.
The official launch event, held on April 16, consisted of various panels to highlight the six pillars of the Gridiron Gems program. The different panels included the following: Beyond the Field: Health, Unity and Diversity for Women in Sports; Skill Development and Leadership: Paving Pathways for Women; Empowering Futures: Livelihoods, Education, and Social Impact; and Leveling the Playing Field: Men Supporting Women in Sports. The event also consisted of networking opportunities for the women on site.
The Browns also had a large presence as a part of the event – particularly with a virtual panel that featured six Browns employees who shared their journeys within the sports industry and spoke on the topic of amplifying women's voices in sports. They discussed the importance of media representation, digital platforms and storytelling with the virtual participants to examine how increased visibility can open doors for female athletes, as well as how to create pathways for both personal and professional growth.
"Our launch showed a strong desire for Nigerian women to unite with a clear purpose," President of NAFA Babajide Akeredolu said. "Diverse speakers and panels allowed attendees, including players, referees, and coaches, to be inspired and network with established women in varied industries and interests across Nigeria. We are excited about this start and, supported by BROWNSNIGERIA, we aim to exceed our ambitious goals to empower 150,000 women through American football in five years."
With the launch of the Gridiron Gems program, a new chapter is unfolding for women in Nigerian sports. The Browns and NAFA are working side by side to integrate female-focused programming into all leagues and tournaments in order to empower women, nurture future leaders and build a strong and supportive community. The Browns are also supporting the development of the Nigerian Women's Flag Football National Team, helping to pave the future of female athletes on the international stage.
Please contact Nancy Damhindi, the program coordinator at gems@nafa.ng to learn more about ways to support the initiative.
