Nairobi: The National Football League (NFL) concluded the 2026 NFL Flag Africa Continental Championship in Nairobi, where Nigeria won the women's title and Egypt the men's title. Both championships were organized in consultation with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and played according to the international rules of flag football. Nigeria also secured the NFL Flag Africa Continental Youth title.
According to African Press Organization, this championship marks another milestone in the continued growth of flag football in Africa, ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games where the sport will make its debut. Over three days of competition, athletes from five nations battled for continental titles, while also participating in an event that brought together national federations, coaches, officials, and young athletes from across the region. Nigeria defeated Egypt to win the women's championship, while Egypt edged out Nigeria for the men's title. Nigeria's youth team beat Ghana to claim the youth title. South Africa earned bronze medals in both the men's and youth categories, while the host nation, Kenya, took bronze in the women's competition.
Beyond the competition, the championship served as a platform for the continued development of flag football and American football in Africa. The week was marked by youth training activities, educational programs for coaches and officials, and a workshop to identify elite talent through the NFL Africa program, reinforcing the league's long-term commitment to increasing participation, strengthening the sports infrastructure, and creating opportunities for athletes across the continent.
The NFL Flag Africa Continental Championship reflects the continued growth of flag football worldwide, said Brian Flinn, NFL Senior Vice President of Global Flag Football. As flag football continues to gain popularity in preparation for its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, events like this help strengthen the foundations of the sport while creating meaningful opportunities for athletes at all levels.
The IFAF was delighted to support the 2026 NFL Flag Africa Continental Championship, which highlighted the growth and competitiveness of flag football in Africa, said Pierre Trochet, President of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, and national federations who contributed to the success of this championship. Together, the IFAF and the NFL continue to expand opportunities for athletes to compete, develop, and represent their countries, while strengthening flag football on the continent.