Nigeria Clinches Double Gold at Inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Championships

In a sweeping show of dominance, Nigeria made history by winning both men’s and women’s titles at the maiden International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Africa Flag Football Championships in Cairo this weekend. The victories secured Nigeria’s spots at the 2026 IFAF World Championships and reaffirmed its growing status as Africa’s flag football powerhouse.

In a commanding display at Club One Maadi Stadium, Nigeria’s women outscored Morocco 26–12. Quarterback Anuoluwapo Bello, whose four‑touchdown effort turned the tide in the second half, was the standout player.
“This is a great achievement for us, and I’m proud of every woman on this team,” Bello proclaimed, reflecting the spirit of a squad eager to shine on the global stage The men’s final was a rollercoaster. Nigeria edged Egypt by a single point—13–12—thanks to Folawiyo Farouk’s decisive extra‑point conversion.

“It’s surreal—it’s history,” said quarterback Hayes Obinna‑Uzoh following a nail‑biting finish that thrilled the home crowd 

• Tunisia claimed men's bronze with a 36–14 victory over Morocco.

• Egypt’s women rebounded to take bronze.

• Other final placements: Cameroon (5th men), Senegal (6th men), South Africa (7th men), Uganda (8th men) 

Hosted June 20–21 in partnership with the NFL and IFAF—part of a global push ahead of flag football’s 2028 Olympic debut—the tournament featured 11 teams from eight African nations footballfoundation.africa+9reuters.com+9punchng.com+9.
IFAF President Pierre Trochet highlighted the event’s importance: “Every player and official … can claim a piece of history,” and pointed to a "springboard to long‑term development" in Africa The sweeping success triggered celebrations back home in Nigeria, with the National Sports Commission (NSC) and NAFA (Nigerian American Football Association) earning widespread praise for their investment in coaching, grassroots leagues, and referee training .

NAFA, which launched in 2019, has spearheaded league development, youth engagement, and coach-referee education—laying the framework that produced these champions

With both squads set to compete at the 2026 world championships, the groundwork in Cairo signals Nigeria’s intent to dominate internationally. Nigeria’s dual qualification marks the first time an African nation will field both men’s and women’s teams at that premier stage.

“We showed what we are made of…” — Anuoluwapo Bello, women’s QB 
“We’ve made history.” — Hayes Obinna‑Uzoh, men’s QB