Nigerian Federation Holds Strategic Talks With Cleveland Browns

In a continued effort to deepen its international footprint and foster meaningful collaborations, the Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) recently held a strategic meeting with the Cleveland Browns at their headquarters in Berea, Ohio.

The visit, led by NAFA President Babajide Akeredolu, served as a pivotal moment to review ongoing initiatives, celebrate recent milestones, and chart a bold path forward for grassroots development and community impact.

“As NAFA and the Cleveland Browns continue to build on their shared values of inclusion, empowerment, and excellence, the future looks bright for American football in Nigeria,” said Akeredolu.” This partnership is not just about sport. it’s about legacy, leadership, and lifting communities through purposeful engagement.”

During the visit, President Akeredolu met with Brent Rossi, Chief Marketing Officer and Matt Papatheodorou Director, Marketing and Brand Strategy of the Cleveland Browns, whose showed great enthusiasm for NAFA’s progress. Rossi and Papatheodorou both commended the organization’s dedication to growing the sport in Nigeria and extended heartfelt congratulations on NAFA’s recent triumph at the Continental Games—a victory that has further solidified Nigeria’s presence on the global American football stage.

The meeting underscored the Browns’ appreciation for NAFA’s strategic approach to youth engagement, cultural integration, and sports diplomacy. Rossi emphasized the importance of building authentic relationships with international communities, noting that NAFA’s work exemplifies the kind of grassroots leadership that aligns with the Browns’ global vision.

The NAFA delegation also engaged with Renee Harvey, Vice President of Community Impact and Foundation and her team at the Cleveland Browns. Harvey expressed strong interest in expanding collaborative efforts with NAFA and its existing partners, including the BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation and Women Impacting Nigeria. These organizations share a common mission: empowering youth and women through education, mentorship, and sport.

Discussions centered on joint initiatives that could amplify social impact across Nigeria, particularly in underserved communities. From educational workshops to health and wellness programs, the Browns Foundation and NAFA are exploring innovative ways to leverage sport as a tool for transformation.

A key highlight of the meeting was the involvement of Nayeli Pozuelos, Coordinator of Cultural and Grassroots Marketing for the Cleveland Browns, who oversees the team’s Nigerian operations. Pozuelos has been instrumental in bridging cultural narratives and ensuring that the Browns’ outreach resonates deeply with Nigerian audiences.

Her insights helped shape plans for an upcoming activation event designed specifically for the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom. Scheduled to coincide with the Browns’ international game weekend in London in October, the event will celebrate Nigerian heritage, showcase flag football talent, and create a vibrant space for fans to connect with the team.

NAFA has been officially co-opted into the planning and execution of this activation, bringing its expertise in cultural programming and grassroots mobilization to the forefront. The event promises to be a dynamic fusion of sport, music, food, and storytelling—an unforgettable experience for Nigerians in the diaspora.

The Browns’ commitment to NAFA’s mission was further demonstrated through tangible support for its league operations. The organization, through its youth football operations, led by Hannah Lee, generously contributed equipment—including footballs and flags—for both the Nigeria Collegiate Flag Football League and the Nigeria Secondary School Flag Football League. These resources are vital to sustaining youth participation and ensuring that the sport continues to thrive across educational institutions.

Photo: NAFA