Cairo, Egypt – From June 20–21, 2025, Egypt will take center stage in African sports as it hosts AFRICA FLAG 2025, the first-ever IFAF African Flag Football Championships. This groundbreaking event will unite the continent’s top men’s and women’s national teams, marking Africa’s debut on the IFAF Continental Championships stage.

With flag football rapidly gaining ground across Africa, this championship is more than a competition—it’s a defining moment that sets the course for Olympic dreams and the sport’s regional expansion. 

Key Highlights of AFRICA FLAG 2025

• A First for the Continent

AFRICA FLAG 2025 marks the first time the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) will host a Continental Championship in Africa. It provides a historic platform for elite competition, raising the profile of African teams on the global stage.

• Olympic Qualification Path

The tournament plays a critical role in flag football’s Olympic journey, serving as a qualifying event for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships. That championship, in turn, is a stepping stone to the sport’s anticipated debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games (LA28).

• Surging Popularity Across Africa

Participation is soaring. Since 2023:

• Egypt has seen a 149% increase in flag football players.

• Nigeria reported 85% growth, driven by outreach programs that have already engaged over 13,000 young athletes.

• Youth Development in Focus

Parallel to the championship, Cairo will host youth-focused flag football events, including the NFL Flag Continental Championship for U12 boys and girls from Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria. These programs are laying the foundation for long-term grassroots success.

• Backed by the NFL and EFAF

The event is made possible through a collaboration between the NFL, IFAF, and the Egyptian Federation of American Football (EFAF). Their joint effort underscores a serious investment in growing the sport at both local and elite levels across Africa.

Leadership Voices Behind the Vision

Pierre Trochet, IFAF President

“With the announcement of the first ever IFAF Continental Championships in Africa, we are taking another step in the global development of our sport... Egypt will be a great host, and we are certain AFRICA FLAG 2025 will inspire new athletes and fans across a continent that has already produced a rich heritage of American football talent.”

Ali Rafeek, EFAF President

“We are extremely proud to be hosting AFRICA FLAG 2025 in Cairo. This is our chance to showcase local talent and inspire future generations—whether it’s their first time picking up a football or they’re dreaming of the Olympics.

Expanding the Game: NFL’s Role and Impact

• First NFL Flag Program in Egypt

The NFL is extending its NFL Africa initiative into Egypt for the first time, offering:

• Talent identification events

• NFL Flag football programs

• Access to elite pathways such as the NFL Academy Europe-Africa and the International Player Pathway Program

• Star Athletes Supporting the Event

Several current NFL players with African roots will attend and participate:

• Bobby Okereke (New York Giants, Nigeria)

• Brian Asamoah II (Minnesota Vikings, Ghana)

• Dieter Eiselen (Free Agent, South Africa)

Their presence adds prestige and inspiration to both national teams and youth players.

• Building Infrastructure: Coaches & Officials

Recent clinics in Ghana, led by NFL and IFAF, have already trained coaches and referees from 10 different African nations. These efforts aim to build a strong, sustainable framework for long-term growth.

What AFRICA FLAG 2025 Means for the Future

AFRICA FLAG 2025 is not just a tournament—it’s a launchpad.

With:

• Strong institutional backing from the NFL and IFAF

• A clear Olympic pathway

• Growing youth participation

• Dedicated infrastructure development

…it sets the tone for flag football’s future as one of the most inclusive and accessible sports on the African continent.

Cairo 2025 will not only showcase Africa’s best but also plant the seeds for a generation of athletes who dream bigger, train harder, and represent their countries with pride on the world stage.

Stay tuned. The future of African flag football begins now.

Every blog is proudly supported by our sponsor www.chemius.net

If you know someone working in the chemical industry, here’s your chance to make a real impact—every qualified lead or new business you refer brings 20% of the revenue directly back to support flag football.

Have someone in mind?
Write to us at [email protected] and let’s make it count—on and off the field. 🏈💼