Nigeria wins women’s, youth NFL flag titles

Nigeria emerged champions in the women’s and youth categories at the 2026 NFL Flag Africa Continental Championship in Nairobi.

The three-day championship featured athletes from Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, South Africa and host nation Kenya.

Nigeria defeated Egypt to win the women’s title, while Egypt overcame Nigeria to claim the men’s championship.

Nigeria also secured the youth title after defeating Ghana, with South Africa winning bronze in the men’s and youth competitions.

Kenya earned bronze in the women’s category at the championship organised in consultation with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF).

The event marked another milestone in the growth of flag football across Africa ahead of its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

It also brought together national federations, coaches, officials and youth athletes from across the continent.

Brian Flinn, NFL Senior Vice-President, Global Flag Football, said the championship reflected the sport’s continued growth worldwide.

“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,” he said.

Flinn added that the championship was creating meaningful opportunities for athletes at every level.

Pierre Trochet, IFAF President, said the organisation was delighted to support the championship, which showcased flag football’s growth and competitiveness in Africa.

“Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches and our national member federations who made this an outstanding championship,” Trochet said.

He said IFAF and the NFL would continue expanding opportunities for athletes to compete, develop and represent their countries.

Beyond the competition, the championship featured youth development activities, coaching and officiating education, and an elite talent-identification workout.

The activities formed part of the NFL Africa programme’s efforts to strengthen participation, infrastructure and pathways for athletes across the continent.

Flag football is played by more than 20 million people in over 100 countries and will make its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.

The NFL Africa programme, spearheaded by NFL legend Osi Umenyiora, focuses on fan events, talent identification and NFL Flag development.

The programme aims to create grassroots playing opportunities, expand elite pathways and support the growth of American football across Africa.