IFAF is counting down to 2026 by highlighting some of the memorable moments in international American football from the past twelve months.
Nigeria introduced themselves to the world of flag football by winning the IFAF Africa Flag continental championships in both the men’s and women’s tournaments. The ‘Giant of Africa’ lived up to its billing and captured both crowns as history was made in Egypt at the first-ever IFAF Africa Flag continental championships.
Both teams became the first qualifiers for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships to represent Africa among 16 competing nations.
Nigeria lifted the women’s championship trophy at the Club One Maadi Stadium in Cairo with a 26-12 victory over Morocco, who had beaten hosts Egypt 19-13 in a playoff earlier on Saturday.
“This is a great achievement for us and I’m proud of every woman out here,” said Nigeria quarterback Anuoluwapo Bello, who threw four touchdowns in the win. “We showed what we are made of and in the second half we were able to get ahead and win the game.”
Wide receiver Esther Kalu put Nigeria’s first points on the board and scored a second touchdown but on both occasions, Morocco replied with touchdowns from Maryem Zeafari. Favour Eric edged Nigeria in front and then the decisive touchdown by Mofeoluwa Akinrinmmade, who found space behind the Moroccan defense, opened an unassailable lead.
In the men’s tournament successful extra point play proved the slim difference by which Nigeria claimed the gold medal 13-12 over host Egypt. That decisive point was reeled in by Folawiyo Farouk after Nigeria had opened the scoring and they extended the lead to 13 points when center Edidong Udombat scored his nation’s second touchdown.
“It’s amazing, it’s surreal, it’s history, it’s unbelievable,” said Nigeria quarterback Hayes Obinna-Uzoh. “We’ve made history.”
Youssef Geith pulled Egypt to within 7 points with a touchdown before halftime and Ziad Ammar scored the only touchdown of the second half, but Nigeria held on to be crowned African champions.
“The game was very defensive, but defensive wins championships and the cliché was in full effect today,” added Obinna-Uzoh.
