The National Football League (NFL) (www.NFL.com) 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.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Football League (NFL).About Flag Football:
Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, played by more than 20 million people in more than 100 countries, with particularly rapid growth in youth and girls' participation. The sport will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The NFL continues to invest in the game's international growth through grassroots participation, youth development and strategic partnerships, including its work with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) to increase participation and inspire the next generation.
About NFL Africa:
The NFL Africa program, spearheaded by NFL Legend Osi Umenyiora, is an initiative developed to support the growth of American football across the continent. The program is built on three pillars—fan events, talent identification and NFL Flag development—creating pathways to play for boys and girls at the grassroots level, increasing opportunities for elite athletes and serving a growing fan base. The continent's connection to the league runs deep, with more than 145 players of African descent on NFL rosters.