The National Football League (NFL) has announced its first official events in Africa, beginning June 21 in Ghana. This will happen through a week-long program (NFL Africa: The Touchdown) which includes a talent identification camp, a fan event and a flag football clinic. Having broad visions of engaging with its African fanbase, these are socially-relevant ways the American franchise seeks to employ. 

 

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More than 100 players in the NFL are of African descent, and the League will highlight their contributions while bringing the word to potential talent for the sport’s future. Current NFL players who will take part on-site include Seattle Seahawks Uchenna Nwosu (Nigeria), Houston Texans Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (Nigeria), Cleveland Browns Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Ghana), and Indianapolis Colts Kwity Paye (Liberia), as well as NFL Legends Mathias Kiwanuka (Uganda), Roman Oben (Cameroon), and Osi Umenyiora (Nigeria).

“This is a truly remarkable initiative,” said Umenyiora, the facilitator of The Uprise, a football program in Nigeria that has held regional camps in Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa in recent months. “This camp is not only giving opportunities to great African athletes, it is also highlighting the incredible African athletes already in the NFL. The positive impact of this cannot be overstated.”

“We look forward to hosting our first camp in Ghana and will look to activate in Nigeria and other African countries in the future,” said Damani Leech, NFL Chief Operating Officer of International. “We want to provide an opportunity for the next generation of African prospects to showcase and further develop their talent. As we continue to look for ways to strengthen the pipeline of international players, we hope this camp, and future camps, provide a path for aspiring players from across the continent.” 

Leech also outlined the reward system for exceptional performers. “Top talent from the camp could be invited to participate in International Combines, the International Player Pathway program, and for those athletes ages 16 to 19, there’s the opportunity to attend the NFL Academy in London,” he said.

For the latest information on the NFL in Africa, follow @NFLAfrica social media channels on Twitter and Instagram.

Featured image credits/Andscape