Nigeria has been forced to withdraw both its men’s and women’s flag football teams from the 2026 World Championships in Düsseldorf, Germany.
The major setback came after the players and officials failed to secure their German visas in time for the tournament.
The International Federation of American Football (IFAF), Nigeria Sports Commission and Nigerian Federation of American Football announced the withdrawal on Monday.
The setback comes as a huge disappointment for the teams.
Nigeria earned its place at the tournament after both sides won their titles at the 2025 IFAF Africa Flag Football Championships.
The victories gave the Nigerian teams a chance to make their world championship debut.
However, visa delays have now ended that dream.
IFAF said it explored several options to help the teams travel to Germany. None of the efforts solved the problem.
“All parties were informed this morning that the visas would not be issued in time for the Championships,” the statement said.
The organisers also expressed sympathy for the players and team officials.
They praised the teams for working hard to qualify as Africa’s champions.
Nigeria’s late withdrawal also leaves the tournament without replacement teams.
The reserve teams from the 2025 African championships cannot step in because of the timing.
As a result, Nigeria’s group-stage opponents will receive automatic wins under the competition rules.
The disappointment does not end Nigeria’s Olympic ambitions, though.
The country still has a route to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Both Nigerian teams can return to action at the 2027 IFAF Continental Championships.
A top-two finish would send each team into the Olympic Q-Series.
That competition represents the final qualification stage for LA28.
So, Nigeria has missed its big moment in Germany. However, the Olympic dream remains alive.
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