Flag Football: Rebels, Raptors, Spartans, Outlaws advance to playoffs

The Rebels, Raptors, Spartans, and Outlaws secured their spots in the Showtime Bowl Series XI playoffs following victories in Week 8’s final regular season games. The Rebels defeated Wolverines 44-22, Raptors outclassed Panthers 46-14, Spartans overwhelmed Mavericks 56-22, and Outlaws down Hawks 51-23.

In the opening fixture, the Rebels displayed their playoff credentials against the Wolverines through Kalada Kienka’s early touchdown, followed by scores from Beatrice Abolade and Odunayo Komolafe.

Despite a late surge from the Wolverines through Stephanie Chinaza and Oluwabukola Onamakinde’s touchdowns in the third quarter, which narrowed the scores to 30-22, Takim Agbor’s interception return sealed the win for the Rebels.

A dominant performance saw the Raptors secure their berth against the Panthers. After Panthers’ Kayode Mafe opened the scoring, the Raptors responded through Ridwan Adekanmbi and Clement Tolulope’s touchdowns.

Amanda Okafor’s double in the second half, coupled with strong defensive plays from Fatima Badmus and Seun Bamidele, helped the Raptors cruise to victory.

The Spartans confirmed their spot with a commanding performance against fellow qualifiers, the Mavericks. Nedy Udombat set the tone with an early touchdown, while Kate Johnson and Uju Ngene extended their lead.

Despite touchdowns from Olamide Oladoyin and Ebube Njere for the Mavericks, Moyosore Badejo’s late score and Farouk Folawiyo’s interception ensured that the Spartans prevailed.

The Outlaws rounded off the playoff qualifiers with a clinical display against the Hawks, effectively ending the latter’s season. Onyinye Udueze starred with a hat-trick of touchdowns, while Eric Favour and Harrison Blessing also found the endzone.

The Hawks showed late resistance through Afeye Momoh and Peace Ikhuoria, but the Outlaws’ early dominance proved decisive.

With flag football’s inclusion in the forthcoming Olympics, these matches showcased Nigeria’s growing professional coed league, as eight teams advance to the playoffs from the original 12 participants. The results marked the end of the season for Wolverines, Panthers, and Hawks, who failed to secure spots in the final eight.