Nigeria has emerged as a significant force in the rise of flag football across Africa, with participation increasing by an impressive 85% since 2023. This surge in popularity has underscored the country’s commitment to nurturing young talent and broadening the game’s reach in the region.
According to the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), Nigeria’s national flag football federation has already engaged over 13,000 young people in its outreach programs, showcasing the immense potential for flag football to become a key sport in the country. This growth comes ahead of the inaugural 2025 IFAF African Flag Football Championships, AFRICA FLAG 2025, which will take place in Cairo, Egypt, from June 20 to 21.
The upcoming tournament, the first-ever IFAF Continental Championships in Africa, is set to feature elite men’s and women’s teams from across the continent. Nigeria is expected to field competitive teams in both categories. The event will serve as a qualifier for African nations hoping to compete in the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships, and it is also part of the broader effort to secure flag football’s place in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
IFAF highlighted that Nigeria’s participation in this historic event is a part of an expanding collaboration between the federation and the National Football League (NFL) aimed at advancing the development of flag football across the African continent. The federation also pointed out that both Egypt and Nigeria have seen notable growth in flag football participation, with Egypt recording a 149% increase and Nigeria following closely behind with an 85% rise.
The growing interest in flag football in Nigeria is largely attributed to the outreach initiatives of the national federation, which has been working diligently to engage youth across the country. As part of the upcoming AFRICA FLAG 2025 festivities, youth teams from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Egypt will also compete in the NFL Flag Continental Championship, a multi-day event aimed at showcasing the next generation of flag football athletes.
Additionally, the event in Cairo will feature a football talent identification program, providing Nigerian prospects with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in front of scouts. Successful athletes may be considered for the NFL Academy Europe-Africa program and the International Player Pathway, which could open doors for further development and potential global opportunities in American football.
This expansion of flag football in Nigeria represents not only a promising future for the sport but also a significant step towards the country’s deeper involvement in the global football landscape.
