Nigeria makes history as the first African flag football champion Nigeria has been crowned the first African flag football champion in both the men’s and women’s categories after winning the African Flag Football Championship organized by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). This event, held in Cairo and bringing together 11 teams from eight African countries, marks the start of this continent’s journey towards the debut of this sport at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
In the men’s final, Nigeria beat Egypt by a narrow 13-12. For their part, the Nigerian women’s team showed their dominance by defeating Morocco 26-12, with two decisive touchdowns in the second half thrown by quarterback Anuoluwapo Bello. “It’s an incredible achievement for us, I’m very proud of every woman here,” Bello said after the victory. In the men’s category, Nigerian quarterback Hayes Obinna-Uzoh commented that their victory “is incredible, it’s surreal, it’s history.” The historic podiums were completed by Tunisia (men’s bronze) and Egypt (women’s bronze).
Growth of flag football in Africa
The African championship is the first in a series of continental tournaments organized by IFAF in 2025, which will continue in September with the Americas tournament in Panama City and the European tournament in Paris. In addition to the titles, the Nigerian men’s and women’s teams have qualified directly for the 2026 Flag Football World Cup.
The event also marked the start of a new collaboration between IFAF and the NFL, which seeks to promote the development of flag football in Africa. Side events organized in Cairo included youth championships, talent identification sessions, and training clinics for African coaches.
NFL stars in attendance
Two current NFL players, Bobby Okereke (New York Giants) and Tanoh Kpassagnon (New Orleans Saints), were present in Cairo to support the event, along with Osi Umenyiora, two-time Super Bowl champion and leader of the NFL Africa initiative. “This championship has been a tremendous success, and Egypt has proven to be the perfect host,” said Umenyiora.
IFAF President Pierre Trochet highlighted the historic importance of the tournament: “Every player and official who was on the field this week can claim a piece of history. But what’s most important is the future and the talent we’ve seen across the continent.”
