Nigeria’s men and women’s teams made history by winning gold at the first African Flag Football Championships held in Cairo, Egypt. The event ended on June 21, with Nigeria coming out as champions in both categories.
The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) organized the tournament, which lasted two days at Club One Stadium in Maadi. Eleven teams from eight African countries competed for the title. In the men’s final, Nigeria narrowly beat the host country Egypt 13-12 in a close match played before a home crowd that included Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Ashraf Sobhi. Tunisia secured third place in the men’s event. On the women’s side, Nigeria defeated Morocco 26-12, thanks to two touchdowns scored by quarterback Anuoluwapo Bello in the second half.
Egypt earned the bronze medal in the women’s competition. By winning the finals, both Nigerian teams earned automatic qualification to the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships. After the tournament, IFAF President Pierre Trochet praised all the players and officials who took part, saying they made history in Cairo.
He also thanked the Egyptian federation for hosting and said the event showed the great talent and passion for flag football across Africa. Trochet explained that this tournament was only the beginning and that with support from their NFL partners, they aim to grow the sport further on the continent. The championship is part of IFAF’s African series leading up to 2025 and comes ahead of flag football’s debut in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Kenny Nwankwo, head coach and quality control director of Nigeria’s men’s team, shared how the team qualified. He explained that they started with two tryouts in Abuja and Lagos to scout the best players. From those tryouts, they selected 50 players who attended a tough nine-week training camp in Lagos starting April 6. Kenny said he pushed the players to their limits physically and mentally to prepare them for high-level competition.
Their hard work and dedication paid off, and he expressed pride in their victory. Initially, Kenny served as Quality Control Director, a role given to him by Nigerian-American NFL linebacker Bobby Okereke, who is the team’s general manager. Bobby wanted to make sure the team’s play matched true American flag football standards.
Later, Kenny was promoted to Head Coach by the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA) leadership, led by President Babajide Akeredolu, Vice President Seye Obatolu, and Secretary General Lawrence Ojaide. With flag football gaining worldwide attention and becoming an Olympic sport in 2028, Nigeria’s double gold win sends a strong message about their skill and potential on the African and global stage.
