Egypt to Host Inaugural African Flag Football Championships Ahead of Olympic Debut

Cairo will welcome the first-ever IFAF African Flag Football Championships (AFRICA FLAG 2025) from June 20–21, marking a pivotal moment for the sport’s growth on the continent.

The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) selected Egypt to stage the historic event, which will feature elite men’s and women’s national teams competing for qualification to the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships and a chance to advance toward the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.

IFAF President Pierre Trochet emphasized the tournament’s role in accelerating regional development, stating, “This championship is a catalyst for inspiring new athletes and fans across Africa, a continent already rich in American football talent.” The event, organized in partnership with the NFL and the Egyptian Federation of American Football (EFAF), aligns with broader efforts to expand flag football’s grassroots footprint.

Concurrent with the championships, the NFL will host youth development initiatives in Cairo, including a U12 NFL Flag Continental Championship involving teams from Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria. A talent identification camp will also offer prospects pathways to the NFL Academy Europe-Africa program or the International Player Pathway (IPP), with current NFL stars like Bobby Okereke (Nigeria), Brian Asamoah II (Ghana), and Dieter Eiselen (South Africa) participating in clinics and mentorship sessions.

“Expanding NFL Africa to Egypt unlocks new opportunities for young athletes,” said two-time Super Bowl champion Osi Umenyiora, who leads the league’s African outreach. “This event isn’t just about competition—it’s about showcasing aspirational journeys, from first-time players to Olympic hopefuls.”

Flag football’s popularity in Africa has surged, with Egypt and Nigeria reporting participation increases of 149% and 85%, respectively, since 2023. Cameroon made history in 2024 as the first African nation to compete at the IFAF World Championships, while Nigeria’s outreach programs have engaged over 13,000 youths. Recent coaching clinics in Ghana, attended by representatives from 10 African countries, further underscore efforts to standardize training and officiating.

EFAF founder Ali Rafeek hailed the event as a milestone: “Hosting AFRICA FLAG 2025 places Egypt at the heart of flag football’s rise, inspiring future generations to dream big.” Egyptian Women’s National Team quarterback Amira Nader added, “This is our chance to prove Africa’s potential on the global stage and pave the way to LA28.”

With 20 million athletes worldwide playing flag football across 100 countries, IFAF’s continental championships signal a strategic push to diversify the sport ahead of its Olympic inclusion. Details on participating teams and other regional 2025 championships will be announced in coming weeks, as stakeholders aim to solidify flag football’s place in both African sports culture and the international arena.