The Continental American Football League of Africa, CAFL, is set to launch its Nigerian league in Makurdi, Benue State, in March 2027, with plans to establish a talent academy in the state.
CAFL Commissioner and founder, American entrepreneur Muhammad El Muhammad, announced the plan during a press conference in Makurdi.
He said the league would give Nigerians more opportunities to participate in American football while providing a platform for young athletes to develop their talents.
According to El Muhammad, the league will initially cover 16 cities across the country. They are Makurdi, Lagos, Ibadan, Ilorin, Abuja, Lafia, Lokoja, Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Enugu, Owerri, Asaba, Warri, Port Harcourt and Uyo.
He explained that Benue was chosen as the starting point because of the state’s pool of sporting talent. The proposed academy would later focus on identifying and nurturing young athletes with the potential to represent Nigeria and Africa.
El Muhammad also disclosed that the Benue State Government had approved the league’s take-off. The government is expected to provide an enabling environment, including playing facilities and security, but without direct financial support for the programme’s commencement.
“Benue is a home of talents yet to be fully harnessed. We want to tap into these talents for the good of the people and to enhance the economic well-being of families,” he said.
The Director of Sports at the Benue State Sports Council, Dr Iorngurum Malu, welcomed the initiative and praised CAFL for choosing Benue as its starting point.
Malu said Governor Hyacinth Alia was passionate about sports and would provide an environment conducive to the success of the programme.
