How one ABUAD athlete turned a track and field foundation into a flag football mission and why he believes Nigeria’s athletic future is just getting started.
Some athletes compete. Others build. Dabo Green – ABUAD alumnus, Lagos Knights running back, and flag football coach is firmly in the second category.
A standout multi-event athlete during his time at ABUAD (100m, 200m, javelin, long jump), Dabo was no stranger to competition or the discipline it demands. But when his track career paused after graduation, he found something unexpected: a sport that didn’t just absorb his speed and athleticism, it gave him a platform to build the next generation of Nigerian athletes.
We sat down with Dabo for an exclusive interview ahead of this summer edition.
The ABUAD Years
Q: How did track and field come into your university life at ABUAD?
“Back then, there were only a handful of us who were really passionate about track and field, and the sport didn’t have the level of support or facilities that it has today. We often had to train on rough surfaces and grass fields, but that never stopped us from putting in the work.”
Dabo remembers the scrappiness of those early years and the payoff. “I remember us constantly proving to the university management that we were capable of competing with other schools. Eventually, we got that opportunity, and it paid off.”
“I remember us constantly proving to the university management that we were capable of competing with other schools. Eventually, we got that opportunity, and it paid off.”
Q: What were your proudest moments on the track?
“Winning overall best athlete during YAMBAF, representing the school at NPUGA, and being part of a group of athletes I could call family.” He pauses. “The joy of competing against them with smiles on our faces, that’s what I remember most.”
Q: Who left the biggest impression on you?
“I had incredible teammates: Dushos, Damola, IBK, Fola, Tega, Itunu. Everyone supported everyone. And then there’s Coach Dada. He was honestly the best coach. Kept us in shape and pushed us harder than we thought we could go. I still use some of his coaching cues during my training sessions.”
Dabo’s Awards and Accolades over the years
The Switch to Flag Football
Q: How did you end up in flag football?
“After school, I still wanted to continue with sports. I couldn’t do track anymore at the time, and then I found flag football. For a better part of my secondary school in the US, I played contact football so I thought, this wouldn’t be too hard. I said to myself: ‘Yes, this is it.’ And it has been amazing since then.”
Q: Did your track background give you a competitive edge?
“Speed is one of my biggest strengths today. When I started playing flag football, I used my speed and athleticism to help me develop. The biggest adjustment was learning to control that speed, knowing when to accelerate, stop, and change direction. I didn’t have to rebuild my instincts; I just had to adapt and add new skills. I was also fortunate to have a great coach, Coach Fagha, who helped me learn the game and continues to coach me today.”
“Speed is one of my biggest strengths today. When I started playing flag football, I used my speed and athleticism to help me develop”.
Dabo’s pre-game warm up for the Lagos Knights
Building a Sport from the Ground Up
Q: What do you see as flag football’s biggest opportunity in Nigeria?
“The amount of athletic talent we have, and the growing support for the sport. Flag football is now included in the Olympics, and there’s a federation in place to provide structure. The opportunity to develop athletes and create pathways for them to compete at higher levels is very real.”
“I believe it can grow tremendously. We also need more people who put the interests of athletes over their own personal interests.”
Dabo showcashing his speed and agility on the pitch
Q: And the biggest obstacle?
“Awareness and access. Many people still don’t know what flag football is or the opportunities available within the sport. Once more people are exposed to it and have access to proper development, I believe it can grow tremendously. We also need more people who put the interests of athletes over their own personal interests.”
Q: What role can universities like ABUAD play?
“Huge. Introducing the sport to students, bringing in qualified coaches, including flag football in competitions like YAMBAF and NPUGA, that would increase participation and exposure. It would create pathways for athletes who want to pursue the sport at a higher level.”
A Message to Young Nigerian Athletes
“Do it. Flag football is an amazing sport, and with the way it’s growing in Nigeria, there are so many opportunities that can come from it. Be coachable, open to learning, stay consistent, and give it your best effort. You never know where the sport can take you it could open doors to experiences and opportunities beyond what you imagined.”
Dabo training with youth athletes
Be Sure to Follow Dabo Green’s Incredible journey here.
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