Nairobi readies to host historic NFL Flag Africa Championship

For the first time the tournament features a flag football competition contested by five men’s and five women’s national teams representing Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa.

Running alongside the main competition is a youth tournament featuring five Under 13 for both boys and girls from the same five countries, with each youth squad made up of 10 players.  

Flag football, a fast-paced and accessible discipline of the game, is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide that will make its debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, while NFL Flag is the official flag football program of the NFL. 

Kenya Federation of American Football (KFAF) President George Alwanga has described the three-day event as a major milestone in the country's efforts to grow the sport and establish itself as a leading destination for flag football in Africa.

“What this means for us as a federation is the confidence to get hosting rights from the International Federation, and to really work closely with our partner, NFL Flag, for this event,” said Alwanga.

Alwanga added that being awarded the hosting rights was a vote of confidence from the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and the NFL, reflecting the progress Kenya has made in developing the sport.

He said the championship would benefit not only players but also Kenyan match officials, with eight local referees selected to officiate alongside international counterparts after undergoing advanced training and certification.

“This indicates a sense of growth and professionalism in the sport of flag football in Kenya,” he said, adding that the experience would give local referees greater confidence while exposing them to international standards.

“For our coaches and players, this is not just a competition. It's where they get to showcase their skills and game knowledge. Hopefully, we get to win medals because it will prove that we have made significant investment in the sport.”

Alwanga said the Nairobi championship forms part of Kenya's pathway towards qualifying for the Olympics, with next year's IFAF African Continental Championships set to determine which teams advance to the World Championships and eventually the Olympic qualification process.

“We do have a shot. It could be a 10 per cent chance, but it's still a chance for our Kenyan team to take part in this wonderful sport come 2028," he added.

The initiative has previously helped produce Kenyan athlete Joshua Waweru, who recently earned an opportunity with the Philadelphia Eagles.

In addition to the on-field competition, the week includes an elite talent identification workout on July 11, giving athletes from across the continent the opportunity to showcase their ability in front of NFL representatives as part of the league’s NFL Africa program that supports the development of athletes on the continent via the league’s global football programs including the International Player Pathway program and NFL Academy.  

"It was my hope and dream that one day we could bring nations to Kenya to play and this is actually coming true. We hope Kenyans will come out and support the national team."