Nigeria’s men’s and women’s flag football teams have qualified for the Flag Football World Championships after their victories at the inaugural African Flag Football Championship. The sport, a non-contact variant of American football, will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
The Nigerian teams dominated the championship, with the men’s team edging out the hosts, Egypt, 13-12 in the final, while the women’s team defeated Morocco 26-12 to secure the title. This achievement is a validation of the players’ dedication and marks the beginning of a movement for flag football in Africa.
As African champions, both Nigerian teams have earned direct qualification for next year’s Flag Football World Championships. This is a significant step towards their goal of participating in the LA 2028 Olympics.
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Oluwaseye Obatolu, the vice president of the Nigeria American Football Association (Nafa), expressed pride in the teams’ achievement and emphasized their focus on competing at the World Championships and ultimately, the Olympics. “Our eyes are firmly set on Los Angeles 2028,” Obatolu said.
The championship was a pivotal moment in the sport’s journey to the Olympics, and Nigeria’s triumph is expected to inspire growth and development of flag football in Africa.
The Nigerian male and female team emerged winners of the inaugural African Flag Football Championship
The sport’s popularity is on the rise, and the Nigerian teams’ success will likely encourage more players to take up the sport.
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IFAF president Pierre Trochet congratulated the Nigerian teams, saying, “Africa can be proud. Your champions will carry our community high!” This recognition highlights the growing importance of flag football globally and the potential for the sport to bring nations together.
With their sights set on the Olympics, Nigeria’s flag football teams will continue to work towards achieving their goal. The team’s dedication and passion for the sport will be crucial in their journey to the LA 2028 Games.
