A Landmark Victory on African Soil

Nigeria’s men’s and women’s flag football teams have etched their names in the annals of African sports history, emerging as champions at the maiden African Flag Football Championships held in Cairo, Egypt. The two-day tournament, staged from June 20 to 21, culminated in a remarkable double triumph for Nigeria, whose teams delivered spirited performances to claim top honors in both categories.

Men Edge Egypt in Nail-Biting Finale

In what was arguably the highlight of the tournament, Nigeria’s men’s team pulled off a dramatic 13–12 victory over host nation Egypt in the final match. The closely contested game unfolded before a raucous crowd at the Club One Stadium in Maadi, Cairo, with Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, among the distinguished guests in attendance.

“This is surreal. It’s history, it’s unbelievable,” said Hayes Obinna-Uzoh, quarterback for Nigeria’s men’s team. “We’ve made history.”

The razor-thin win against the hosts not only underscored the skill and resilience of the Nigerian squad but also marked their emergence as a formidable force in African flag football.

Women Cruise Past Morocco with Commanding Display

In the women’s final, Nigeria’s team turned in a commanding performance to defeat Morocco 26–12. The second half proved decisive, with quarterback Anuoluwapo Bello leading the charge by scoring two vital touchdowns that sealed victory.

“This is a great achievement for us,” Bello said after the match. “I’m proud of every woman out here. There’s an opportunity to go to the World Championships and show everyone what we can do.”

Her words captured both the pride and promise of a team ready to take on the world.

Direct Qualification to 2026 World Championships Secured

Beyond the immediate glory of gold medals, Nigeria’s twin victories earned them automatic qualification to the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships. This places the teams on the global stage, as they prepare to represent Africa in a sport that is gaining momentum ahead of its Olympic debut at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

A Continental First for Flag Football

The Cairo tournament was a significant step forward for the sport in Africa, featuring 11 teams from eight countries in what was the first leg of the International Federation of American Football’s (IFAF) continental championship series for 2025. For all participants, the event also served as the first opportunity to earn official international rankings.

A New Era Begins

The African Flag Football Championships may have just begun, but Nigeria’s historic double victory has already set a high standard. With a ticket to the world championships in hand and Olympic ambitions on the horizon, the future of Nigerian flag football is bright — and the rest of the world is now on notice.