**DUESSELDORF, Germany** — Canada’s national men’s team secured an opening-game victory at the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world flag football championship on Monday without playing a snap, following the withdrawal of Nigeria’s teams due to travel visa issues.
Nigeria was forced to withdraw both its men’s and women’s squads from the tournament, which starts Thursday in Duesseldorf, Germany, after failing to secure the necessary travel visas. The decision was announced jointly by the IFAF, the National Sports Commission of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Federation of American Football.
Nigeria was originally scheduled to compete in the men’s group alongside Canada, Austria, and Japan. Because insufficient time remained to select an alternate team, victories were awarded to the remaining three group members.
As a result, Canada will face Austria on Thursday, followed by a match against Japan on Friday during the preliminary round. The withdrawal of the Nigerian women’s team does not affect the Canadian women’s squad, as the two teams are in separate groups.
The tournament offers crucial qualification opportunities, with the top two finishers securing berths in the Olympic Games. Should the United States reach the gold-medal game, the top three teams will advance, given that the U.S. has already secured a spot as the host nation for the Los Angeles Games.
Article and image source: lakelandtoday.ca
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