Nigeria has etched its name in the annals of African sports history by becoming the first-ever IFAF Africa Flag Football Champions in both men’s and women’s categories.
The Nigerian men’s team edged out hosts Egypt 13-12 in a thrilling final, while the women’s team had earlier claimed their title by defeating Morocco.
Azeez Amida, Chairman of Showtime Flag Football League, expressed his emotions after the win: “What a moment for Nigeria. To see both our male and female teams rise as champions of Africa is deeply emotional. It proves that our years of investment in talent and structure are bearing fruit.”
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Amida also thanked the leadership of the National Sports Commission for their support
This historic victory marks a significant milestone for Nigerian sports, with the country now set to participate in the 2026 World Championship as one of the world’s top 16 teams.
Nigeria’s men team at the first-ever IFAF Africa Flag Football
The Showtime Flag Football League has played a crucial role in nurturing the talents of Nigerian players and coaches, with most of the players and coaches in the national teams hailing from the league
Nigeria’s participation in flag football has surged by 85% since 2023, with over 13,000 young people engaged in outreach programs. This growth is part of a broader effort to develop flag football across Africa, with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and the National Football League (NFL) collaborating to promote the sport.
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The victory is not just a win for Nigeria but also a testament to the growing popularity of flag football in Africa.
With Egypt recording a 149% increase in participation, it’s clear that the sport is gaining traction across the continent. The IFAF Africa Flag Football Championship has provided a platform for African teams to showcase their skills and compete at an international level
Nigeria’s historic win sets the stage for the country’s continued dominance in African flag football.
With the team set to participate in the 2026 World Championship, Nigerian fans can expect more thrilling performances from their national teams.
As Azeez Amida noted, “Tonight, Nigeria didn’t just win two titles—they announced their dominance and lit the path forward for African flag football.”
