The National Football League (NFL) concluded the 2026 NFL Flag Africa Continental Championship in Nairobi, where Nigeria captured the women’s and Egypt claimed the men’s championship, both organized in consultation with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and played according to international flag football rules. Meanwhile, Nigeria also secured the NFL Flag Continental Youth title.
The championship marked another milestone in the continued growth of flag football across Africa ahead of the sport’s debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Across three days of competition, athletes from five nations competed for continental titles while participating in an event that brought together national federations, coaches, officials and youth athletes from across the region. Nigeria defeated Egypt to win the women’s championship, while Egypt defeated Nigeria to capture the men’s championship. Nigeria’s youth team defeated Ghana to win the youth title. South Africa earned bronze medals in the men’s and youth divisions, while host nation Kenya earned bronze in the women’s competition.
Beyond competition, the championship served as a platform for the continued development of flag and tackle football across Africa. The week featured youth development activities, coach and official education, and an elite talent identification workout through the NFL Africa program, reinforcing the league’s long-term commitment to growing participation, strengthening the sport’s infrastructure and creating 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.”
“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.
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