Nigeria, Egypt Shine as NFL Flag Football Drives Sport’s Growth Across Africa

Africa’s growing presence in flag football was on display in Nairobi as the 2026 NFL Flag Africa Continental Championship brought together athletes, coaches and national federations from across the continent.

The event was the highlight of the sport’s expanding footprint ahead of its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

The championship, organised by the National Football League (NFL) in consultation with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and played according to international flag football rules, saw Nigeria lift the women’s title while Egypt claimed the men’s championship. Nigeria also secured the NFL Flag Continental Youth title.

Over three days of competition, teams from five African countries competed for continental honours in a tournament that reflected the sport’s continued development across the region.

Nigeria defeated Egypt to win the women’s championship, while Egypt overcame Nigeria to secure the men’s title. Nigeria’s youth team defeated Ghana to lift the youth championship.

South Africa finished with bronze medals in the men’s and youth competitions, while hosts Kenya claimed bronze in the women’s tournament.

Championship reflects broader investment in flag football across Africa

Beyond the results, the championship served as a platform for developing both flag and tackle football across Africa.

The event included youth development activities, education programmes for coaches and officials, and an elite talent identification workout through the NFL Africa programme.

The initiatives are part of the league’s efforts to grow participation, strengthen the sport’s infrastructure and create opportunities for athletes across the continent.

“The NFL Flag Africa Continental Championship reflects the continued growth of flag football around the world,” said Brian Flinn, NFL Senior Vice President, Global Flag Football. “As flag football continues building momentum toward its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, events like this are helping strengthen the sport’s foundation while creating meaningful opportunities for athletes at every level.”

Pierre Trochet, President of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), said the tournament highlighted the progress the sport is making across Africa.

“IFAF was delighted to support the 2026 NFL Flag Africa Continental Championship, which showcased the continued growth and competitiveness of flag football across Africa,” said Pierre Trochet, President of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). “Congratulations to all of the athletes, coaches and our national member federations who made this an outstanding championship. Together, IFAF and the NFL are continuing to expand opportunities for athletes to compete, develop and represent their countries while strengthening flag football across the continent.”

Olympic debut expected to boost participation

The championship comes as flag football prepares to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, a milestone expected to raise the sport’s global profile.

According to the NFL, flag football is played by more than 20 million people in more than 100 countries, with particularly rapid growth among young people and girls.

The league says it continues to invest in the sport’s international expansion through grassroots participation, youth development initiatives and strategic partnerships with IFAF aimed at increasing participation and creating opportunities for the next generation of players.

NFL Africa programme creates pathways for future talent

The championship also highlighted the role of the NFL Africa programme in supporting the sport’s growth on the continent.

Led by NFL legend Osi Umenyiora, the programme focuses on three areas: fan engagement, talent identification and NFL Flag development.

According to the NFL, the initiative is designed to create grassroots playing opportunities for boys and girls, expand pathways for elite athletes and support a growing fan base across Africa.

The league also noted that more than 145 players of African descent are currently on NFL rosters, underlining the continent’s long-standing connection to American football.