Nigeria’s men and women teams have emerged champions of the first African Flag Football Championship, concluded on Saturday, June 21, in Cairo, Egypt.

The competition, organised by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), saw 11 teams from eight countries compete over two days at Club One Stadium in Maadi.
In the men’s final, Nigeria secured a narrow 13-12 win against host nation Egypt. The match was held in front of a home crowd that included Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr Ashraf Sobhi. Tunisia placed third in the men’s category.

The women’s final ended with Nigeria defeating Morocco 26-12. Two second-half touchdowns by quarterback Anuoluwapo Bello secured the result. Egypt claimed bronze in the women’s competition.

With these results, both Nigerian teams earned automatic qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships.

IFAF président, Pierre Trochet, speaking after the tournament, remarked, “Every player and official who set foot on the field in Cairo this week can claim a piece of history.”

He acknowledged the contribution of the Egyptian federation in hosting the event and highlighted future opportunities for growth.

“What this tournament has demonstrated is the enormous talent and passion for the game that exists right across the African continent,” Trochet said. “We know this event is just the start and, together with our NFL partners, we are committed to ensuring it acts as a springboard to the long-term development of our game.”

The event marks the beginning of IFAF’s continental championship series for 2025 and comes ahead of flag football’s scheduled debut at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.