On Friday, June 20, Ali Rafik, president and founder of EFAF, The Egyptian Federation of American Football, welcomed players and coaches from 11 teams representing eight nations, dignitaries and supporters to IFAF Africa Flag 2025 at the Club One Maadi Stadium in Cairo.

“Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, athletes, and fans.

It is a great honor and a proud moment to welcome you all to the very first African Flag Football Championship, hosted here in the heart of Africa, the vibrant and historic city of Cairo.

This event marks more than the start of a tournament. It’s the beginning of a new journey for our sport across the continent.

Today, we gather. Not just to compete, but to unite through teamwork, sportsmanship, and a shared passion for the game.

Flag football is fast, dynamic, and inclusive. It represents the future of American football around the world, and today, that future is unfolding right here, with African athletes leading the way.

To the players, you are making history. Each touchdown, each flag pull, each play you make, you’re inspiring the next generation and proving that Africa belongs on the global football stage.

To the fans and families who have supported us, your energy, belief, and commitment are the heartbeat of this movement.

And to our fellow federations, we thank you for your presence. Your participation shows that when we come together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

On behalf of the Egyptian Federation of American Football, we thank the International Federation IFAF for its trust, and we proudly say: “This is only the beginning.”

Let the games begin. Let the spirit rise. And let Africa shine on the flag football map.

Thank you and welcome to the very first African Flag Football Tournament."