WFDF Expands Global Community with Burkina Faso Addition and Membership Updates in UAE and Nigeria

The World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) has formally welcomed updates to its membership, further strengthening its global community to 127 National Federations. The Burkina Faso Flying Disc Federation (BFFDF), representing Burkina Faso (BUR), has been officially welcomed as the 127th WFDF National Federation. The membership for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has now been approved to be under the UAE Sports for All Federation, in coordination with the UAE Ultimate Frisbee Committee, while the Nigeria Flying Disc Federation (NFDF), representing Nigeria (NGR), has been confirmed as the newly-recognised National Federation.

 

We are pleased to welcome the flying disc community from Burkina Faso into the WFDF family,” stated WFDF President Robert “Nob” Rauch. We have an enthusiastic group of players in the country and it is exciting to welcome our 27th member country in Africa. We are also happy to continue working with our member federations and their athletes to further strengthen local governance and their relationships with the local sports authorities, as we have in the UAE and Nigeria.”

 

Flying Disc Sports in Burkina Faso have been part of the sporting landscape for less than ten years, with steady growth driven by local players and organisers. This recognition validates those efforts, confirms their place at the international level, and sends a strong message to youth that Ultimate Frisbee is a growing sport in the country. The federation now aims to strengthen its structure, expand the sport in schools and universities, and improve local competitions while preparing teams for continental and global events.

 

“This milestone fills us with immense pride and affirms the dedication and passion of everyone involved in the development of Flying Disc Sports in Burkina Faso. We are excited about the future and remain committed to nurturing the growth of the sport in our country with continued support and collaboration as we work towards these goals,” stated Stephane Tapsoba, President of the Burkina Faso Flying Disc Federation.

 

Flying Disc sports in the United Arab Emirates gained official recognition when Dubai hosted the World Beach Ultimate Championships in 2015, marking the first time the event was held in the Middle East and supporting the development of the sport across the region. Since then, the sport has continued to grow through the efforts of the local community and structured coordination with national sports bodies.

 

“Becoming a recognised member of the World Flying Disc Federation marks a significant milestone. This recognition reflects the UAE’s continuous commitment to developing inclusive and community-based sports, while providing athletes with a clear pathway to compete at the international level,” stated H.E. Saeed Al Ajeel, President of the UAE Sports for All Federation.

 

Looking ahead, efforts will focus on expanding participation at the grassroots level, strengthening national teams, and hosting international events that reflect the UAE’s position as a global hub for sport, while promoting inclusivity, health, and excellence.

The national federation for Nigeria was approved by Congress to be governed moving forward by the Nigerian Flying Disc Federation, following the revocation of the membership of the previous organisation by Congress with an excess of the two-thirds majority, due to a lack of activity and representation.

 

“The priority is to keep building what’s already working and expand it,” stated Sadiq Okocha, President of the Nigeria Flying Disc Federation, who also led club “Catch-234” at the 2025 All Africa Ultimate Championship in Kampala, Uganda. “We have completed the inaugural season of our Ultimate league and are heading into the second season with plans to grow the number of teams and improve the quality of competition. Beyond Lagos, Abuja is our next frontier, with a blossoming community and plans to organise games that can grow the sport in both cities. Youth development is a big focus, creating opportunities in schools and universities and supporting players on pathways to higher education and international competition. WFDF membership gives us the framework and support to do all of this properly.” 


For more information contact:

Dillon Richardson
Director of Membership Services and Sport Development
World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF)
email: [email protected]