Nigeria Wins Women's and Youth Titles at NFL Flag Africa Championship

Posted : 20 July 2026

Nigeria enjoyed a successful outing at the 2026 NFL Flag Africa Continental Championship in Nairobi, Kenya, winning the women's and youth titles to underline the country's growing strength in flag football.

The three-day tournament featured national teams from Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, South Africa and host nation Kenya. The competition showcased the rapid development of the sport across Africa as preparations continue for its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

Nigeria's women's team captured the continental crown after defeating Egypt in the final. The country's youth team also finished as champions after overcoming Ghana to secure another gold medal.

Egypt prevented Nigeria from completing a clean sweep by winning the men's title. South Africa claimed bronze medals in both the men's and youth competitions, while Kenya finished third in the women's event.

The championship was organised in collaboration with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and served as an important platform for competition, talent development and technical advancement across the continent.

NFL Senior Vice-President for Global Flag Football, Brian Flinn, praised the success of the tournament and highlighted the sport's growing international profile ahead of its Olympic debut.

Flinn said competitions such as the Africa Championship are helping to strengthen the foundations of flag football by giving athletes more opportunities to compete and develop at a high level.

IFAF President Pierre Trochet also commended the quality of the competition and congratulated the participating athletes, coaches and national federations for delivering an outstanding championship.

He reaffirmed IFAF's commitment, alongside the NFL, to expanding opportunities for players to compete, improve their skills and proudly represent their countries on the international stage.

Beyond the on-field action, the championship featured youth development programmes, coaching and officiating workshops, as well as elite talent identification sessions designed to support the long-term growth of the sport across Africa.

The initiatives form part of the wider NFL Africa programme, which is led by former NFL star Osi Umenyiora. The programme focuses on grassroots participation, talent identification, fan engagement and building sustainable pathways for athletes throughout the continent.

Flag football is currently played by more than 20 million people in over 100 countries and will make its historic Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, providing African nations with a new opportunity to compete on the world's biggest sporting stage.

Nigeria Wins Women's and Youth Titles at NFL Flag Africa Championship

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