‎By Teddy Nwanunobi

‎The Nigerian Federation of American Football (NFAF) has confirmed that Nigeria’s men’s, women’s, and Under-13 national teams will compete at the 2026 NFL Flag Africa Continental Championship in Nairobi, Kenya, from July 9 to 11.

‎The tournament marks the third NFL Flag continental championship held on the continent, following editions in Nigeria in 2024 and Egypt in 2025.

‎This year’s competition will for the first time bring together men’s and women’s national teams from five countries — Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa — alongside a co-ed Under-13 youth tournament featuring 10-player squads from each nation.

‎“As a new federation, we know we still have plenty to learn, but our players and coaches have put in the work to get ready for this competition. We are proud to represent Nigeria in Nairobi and to give our athletes this platform to compete and grow,” a statement from the NFAF read.

‎The event is held in partnership with the NFL and authorised by the International Federation of American Football, with local support from the Kenyan Federation of American Football.

‎Alongside the on-field competition, an NFL elite talent identification workout scheduled for July 11 will offer athletes the opportunity to be assessed by NFL representatives as part of the league’s NFL Africa programme.

‎The NFAF said it looks forward to building on the experience as it continues developing flag football in Nigeria. The sport, one of the fastest-growing in the world, is set to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

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