NDSL at a Glance
What we are: Nigeria's official drone soccer league.
Who we serve: Secondary school students, ages 12–18.
How teams form: Open combines, one team per state.
How to join: Through your school, or as an individual.
The sport: FAI-recognised, piloted drones, football-style scoring.
Where we're based: Headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria.
Mission & Vision
Sport is the classroom.
NDSL exists because the fastest way to teach a generation to build is to give them something worth winning.
Vision
To put the African continent on the global drone sports map and to make sure the engineers who get it there were built here.
What We Stand For
Fair Access
Open combines. No shortcuts. Every state, every applicant.
Youth First
Player safety and development guide every decision we make.
Technical Skill
Real piloting, engineering, and strategy — not just a game.
Community
Schools, families, and volunteers building this together.
Transparency
Clear rules, clear conduct, clear communication.
National Pride
Representing Nigeria in a fast-growing global sport.
Leadership
Retired USAFR Weapons Systems Specialist, Aerial Port Superintendent and Training instructor. Information Technology (I.T.) manager for the State of California. Distinguished Toastmaster, certified Cyber Security Expert, Vice President Sacramento ISSA and FAA certified Small Unmanned Aerial System pilot. Known to most as LT. He has been associated with aviation most of his adult life. Currently a student pilot and resides in El Dorado Hills, CA. His aviation background has led him to embrace the future of aeronautics in the form of piloting drones. He teaches both cyber security and drone piloting skills. As co-founder of Naijadronesoccerleague.org, his vision is to train drone pilots and prepare them to fly for private or government agencies. His goal is to connect pilots with their respective industry for gainful employment.
Sam Gaadi is an accomplished aviation professional, entrepreneur, and educator based in the Sacramento metropolitan area of California. He earned his Commercial Pilot Certificate in 1992 and holds the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification — the highest level issued by the FAA. Since 2000, he has served as an FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor, helping countless students build aviation careers worldwide.
Sam Gaadi is an accomplished aviation professional, entrepreneur, educator, and aviation advocate based in the Sacramento metropolitan area of California. He earned his Commercial Pilot Certificate in 1992 and holds the prestigious Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification — the highest level of pilot certification issued by the FAA. With an exemplary safety record, Sam has served as an FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor since 2000, helping countless students achieve their aviation goals and build successful careers worldwide.
Throughout his career, Sam has combined technical expertise with entrepreneurial vision — owning and operating an aerial advertising banner-tow company and holding a licence as an aircraft dealer. His passion for aviation extends far beyond the cockpit, encompassing education, mentorship, workforce development, and emerging aerospace technologies.
In recent years, Sam has become a strong advocate for drone technology and unmanned aviation, investing significant time and resources in training and mentoring aspiring drone pilots across underrepresented communities. As Co-Founder of NDSL, he has played a pivotal role in introducing drone soccer to Nigeria — building the league's foundation, forging strategic partnerships, and championing STEM education through competitive sport. His dedication reflects a deep belief that technology, teamwork, and innovation can empower youth and create new opportunities across Africa.
Sam is married to Agness, and together they have three children. He is an active member of AOPA, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), and the 100 Black Men of America (100BMBA).
Orkuma Alex Mchiater is a versatile technology professional and digital innovator with expertise spanning AI Engineering, Web Development, Data Analytics, and Financial Management. Based in Makurdi, Nigeria, Alex has spent the last several years at the intersection of technology and business — building intelligent systems, designing seamless digital experiences, and transforming raw data into decisions that matter. With a BSc in Accounting from Benue State University and a Data Science Certification from the Chartered Institute of Finance, Alex brings a rare combination of technical depth and financial acumen to every project he takes on. He has designed and deployed AI-powered automation tools using large language models, built full-stack web applications for clients across multiple industries, and developed data dashboards that help organisations see their numbers clearly for the first time. Beyond freelance work, Alex has played a pioneering role in Nigeria's emerging tech ecosystem — co-developing the digital infrastructure for the Naija Drone Soccer League, the country's first drone soccer competition, while simultaneously managing its end-to-end event logistics. Alex doesn't just solve problems. He builds things that last — products, systems, and strategies that continue to deliver value long after the project is done.
Divisional Leadership
Each division will name its own directors. As NDSL scales to 36 teams, every conference gains its own administrative leadership and managed presence under the parent brand. Those profiles will be published here as divisions come online.