The Nigeria women’s team celebrating their win after beating Egypt in this year’s NFL Flag Africa Continental Championship 2026 in Nairobi .
NAIROBI, July 11, 2026 — Egypt and Nigeria were crowned champions of the inaugural NFL FLAG Africa Championship as the continental tournament concluded in Nairobi, marking another milestone in the growth of flag football across Africa ahead of its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Speaking during the championship finals and medal presentation ceremony, NFL Africa Head and two-time Super Bowl champion Osi Umenyiora said African athletes had demonstrated exceptional talent and that sustained investment in competitions and development pathways would enable them to compete with the world’s best teams.
“The talent and ability we have seen from African athletes is incredible. This is only the beginning of the journey, and with more competitive opportunities, these teams will continue to improve and compete with the best in the world,” said Umenyiora.
He said Africa’s flag football journey was gaining momentum and expressed confidence that the continent would eventually produce teams capable of competing for Olympic medals as more athletes gained exposure through international competitions.
“I have no doubt that African teams will one day stand on Olympic podiums. The talent is here, and these opportunities are helping build that future,” he said.
In the men’s final, Egypt defeated Nigeria 12-6 to win the championship title, while South Africa claimed bronze after edging hosts Kenya 19-13. Nigeria lifted the women’s trophy with a 27-18 victory over Egypt, as Kenya secured bronze following an 18-6 win over Ghana.
NFL International Flag Football Development Manager Afia Law said the championship was part of the league’s broader strategy to expand flag football across Africa by creating more competitions and structured development pathways for athletes.
“This competition is about giving athletes more opportunities to play, compete and grow. We need more events because one tournament alone cannot prepare teams for the Olympic pathway. Every competition strengthens the development of the sport,” she said.
Law said the NFL was working closely with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) to expand grassroots programmes, support school participation and strengthen officiating while ensuring more African countries joined future competitions.
“Flag football is an inclusive sport. We want to create more opportunities for boys, girls, men and women because sport gives people hope and opens pathways for people to develop and change their lives,” she said.
The championship also featured an officiating development programme that brought together referees from five African countries for technical training under international experts, strengthening local capacity to support the sport’s growth.
Following the finals, athletes participated in the NFL FLAG Talent Identification Programme, where they underwent drills and skills assessments aimed at identifying promising talent for further development through NFL Africa initiatives.
The inaugural championship brought together athletes, coaches and officials from across the continent, underscoring the rapid growth of flag football in Africa as the sport prepares for its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
