The inaugural IFAF African Flag Football Championships, held in Cairo, Egypt, from June 20th to 21st, 2025, witnessed a historic double victory for Nigeria, with both the men’s and women’s teams clinching gold medals in thrilling fashion. The tournament, a significant step towards flag football’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, saw Nigeria emerge as the dominant force on the African continent, securing their place in the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships. This landmark achievement not only marks a pivotal moment for Nigerian sports but also underscores the growing prominence of flag football on the global stage.
The Nigerian men’s team faced a formidable challenge in the final, going head-to-head against the host nation, Egypt, amidst a boisterous home crowd at the Club One Stadium in Maadi, Cairo. The presence of distinguished guests, including Egypt’s Minister of Youths and Sports, Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, added to the weight of the occasion. In a nail-biting encounter, the Nigerian men displayed remarkable resilience and skill, narrowly edging past Egypt with a final score of 13-12 to claim the coveted gold medal. Their victory was a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and unwavering determination to succeed against the odds.
The Nigerian women’s team showcased their own brand of dominance throughout the tournament, culminating in a decisive victory against Morocco in the final. With a final score of 26-12, the Nigerian women cemented their position as the leading force in African women’s flag football. Quarterback Anuoluwapo Bello played a pivotal role in their triumph, orchestrating the offense with precision and throwing two crucial touchdowns in the second half to secure the win. The women’s team’s performance reflected their growing confidence and skill, signaling their readiness to compete on the world stage.
The double victory resonated deeply with the Nigerian players, who expressed their joy and pride in their historic achievement. Anuoluwapo Bello, the star quarterback of the women’s team, emphasized the significance of the win, highlighting the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the World Championships and showcase their talent to a global audience. Hayes Obinna-Uzoh, the quarterback of the men’s team, echoed the sentiment, describing the victory as “amazing, surreal, historic, and unbelievable,” underscoring the momentous nature of their accomplishment. Their words captured the collective euphoria and sense of historical significance that permeated the Nigerian contingent.
The inaugural IFAF African Flag Football Championships brought together 11 teams from eight nations across the African continent, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s development. The tournament served as a platform for African nations to showcase their talent and passion for flag football, while also contributing to the growth and recognition of the sport on a continental level. The participation of diverse teams highlighted the increasing popularity and reach of flag football across Africa, laying the groundwork for future growth and development.
Beyond the immediate results, the tournament played a crucial role in establishing the first official rankings for the participating teams. This ranking system will serve as a benchmark for future competitions and provide a valuable tool for tracking the progress and development of flag football in Africa. Moreover, the championships served as a stepping stone towards flag football’s ultimate goal of inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The success of the tournament and the impressive performances by the participating teams further solidified flag football’s bid for Olympic recognition, showcasing its potential to captivate audiences and inspire athletes worldwide. The Nigerian teams’ double victory, therefore, represents not only a triumph for their nation but also a significant advancement for flag football on its journey towards Olympic inclusion.
