The inaugural International Federation of American Football (IFAF) African Flag Football Championship, held in Cairo, Egypt, from June 20th to 21st, 2025, witnessed the crowning of Nigeria as champions in both the men’s and women’s categories. This historic event, a pivotal step towards flag football’s potential inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, saw Nigeria’s teams showcasing their prowess against strong competition from across the continent. Their victories secured them automatic qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships, cementing their position as a dominant force in African flag football. The tournament also marked a significant milestone for all participating nations, as they received their first official IFAF rankings, further solidifying the growth and development of the sport in Africa.
The Nigerian men’s team emerged victorious after a thrilling final against the host nation, Egypt. In a closely contested match played before a passionate home crowd at the Club One Stadium in Maadi, Cairo, the Nigerians clinched a narrow 13-12 victory. The atmosphere was electric, with the presence of distinguished guests, including Egypt’s Minister of Youths and Sports, Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, adding to the significance of the occasion. The Nigerian men demonstrated remarkable composure and resilience under pressure, securing the gold medal and etching their names in African flag football history.
The Nigerian women’s team delivered an equally impressive performance, dominating the final against Morocco with a convincing 26-12 win. Quarterback Anuoluwapo Bello played a pivotal role in the victory, orchestrating two crucial touchdowns in the second half that solidified Nigeria’s dominance. The women’s team showcased their skill, strategy, and teamwork, leaving no doubt about their deserved championship title. Their triumph, alongside the men’s victory, underscored Nigeria’s burgeoning strength in flag football and their potential to become a global force in the sport.
The tournament also highlighted the rising talent pool within other African nations. Tunisia claimed the bronze medal in the men’s competition, showcasing their growing proficiency in flag football. Egypt, despite narrowly missing out on gold in the men’s final, secured the bronze medal in the women’s tournament, demonstrating the depth of talent within their ranks. The podium finishes for both Tunisia and Egypt marked their emergence as strong contenders in the African flag football landscape and signaled the increasing competitiveness of the sport across the continent.
The Africa Flag 2025 Championship, the first in IFAF’s continental series for the year, was a testament to the collaborative efforts of IFAF and the NFL in promoting the sport’s growth in Africa. Eight nations participated in the tournament, fielding a total of eleven teams, reflecting the growing interest and participation in flag football across the continent. The tournament served as a testament to the unifying power of sport, bringing together athletes from diverse backgrounds under a shared passion for flag football. The success of the event promises to further elevate flag football’s presence and development in Africa, paving the way for a brighter future for the sport in the region.
IFAF President Pierre Trochet hailed the tournament as a historic moment for flag football in Africa, recognizing the significant contributions of all participants. He praised the Egyptian federation for their exceptional hosting of the event, which showcased the continent’s talent and passion for the game. Trochet emphasized that the tournament was not just a historical landmark, but also a crucial stepping stone for the future of the sport in Africa. He reiterated IFAF’s commitment, in partnership with the NFL, to nurturing the growth of flag football in the region, using the tournament as a catalyst for long-term development and expansion. The Africa Flag 2025 Championship, in its inaugural edition, has firmly established itself as a cornerstone for the growth and development of flag football in Africa, laying the foundation for future generations of athletes and solidifying the continent’s place on the global flag football map.
