By Rebecca Ejiifoma
The International American football is gradually making a name for itself in Nigeria and dribbling its way into other African countries since its arrival in 2013.
The Lagos Marines stormed Cote D’Ivoire and defeated the Riviera Gold Golden Eagles of Abidjan Felix Houphouet Boigny University Sport Field on June 18.
The Marines defeated its opponent 13 goals to 12 and according to the head coach, Dominik Mueller, it is the first international contest between two clubs in West Africa.
“The turnout was very encouraging. Although the American football is still coming up in Africa, we believe that with time, the sport will be popular here.â€
He expressed joy after the successful trip through Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana, “The Lagos Marines had already made a name for themselves in Ghana by running three American Football clinic sessions for scores of children between ages eight and 16 on the beaches and at a primary school in CapeCoast.“
Mueller commended the Lagos state government in Nigeria for providing a conducive platform for the boys to play and continue their training, adding that the Lagos Marines, currently practise on Saturdays at LASUTH. “We are counting on more talents to join the team on both the playing and coaching level.â€
The German Head coach told THISDAY that the Association had plans to introduce American Football in secondary schools starting with Lagos then other parts of the country.
He emphasised that he Lagos Marines are now considering to play their way ‘westwards’ along the coast planning to taking on club sides in Takoradi in Ghana and Abidjan in Cote D’Ivoire and hold training camps for these countries as well.
