IFAF Expands Flag Football Championships to Africa Ahead of LA28 Olympics: A Milestone for the Sport on the Continent
By Wasse Marlvine
April 19, 2025
In a landmark development for American football in Africa, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) has announced the expansion of its Flag Football Championships to the continent. This exciting move comes in anticipation of the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games (LA28), where flag football will make its Olympic debut. The announcement signifies a major step forward for American football in Africa and offers the continent’s athletes an opportunity to showcase their talents on the global stage.
Flag Football: A Growing Global Sport
Flag football, a non-contact version of American football, has been growing rapidly in popularity worldwide, especially as it serves as an accessible entry point for many players who may not have the resources to play traditional American football. Unlike tackle football, which requires extensive equipment, flag football only needs a flag belt and a football, making it an ideal sport for countries with limited access to football infrastructure.
The IFAF, which governs American football worldwide, has been working to spread the sport to new regions in preparation for the 2028 Olympics, and Africa has emerged as a key focus area. With growing interest in the sport and an increasing number of young athletes participating, the expansion of the Flag Football Championships to Africa is expected to accelerate the growth of the sport on the continent.
The Decision to Expand to Africa
This decision to expand to Africa comes after years of efforts by IFAF to broaden the reach of American football in underrepresented regions. The African continent, home to over 1.3 billion people, is seen as an untapped market for sports, with increasing interest in football, basketball, and other team sports. Flag football provides a new avenue for Africans to engage with the sport and ultimately become a part of the Olympic movement.
“American football has tremendous potential in Africa,” said IFAF President Pierre Trochet. “The energy, passion, and talent that we see in Africa’s youth are unparalleled. Expanding the Flag Football Championships to the continent is an exciting milestone, and we’re thrilled to see the level of commitment from the African nations to grow the sport.”
Flag football has already made significant inroads in other regions, including Asia, Europe, and South America. However, the move to Africa offers a unique opportunity for the sport to evolve within diverse cultures and tap into a rich athletic talent pool. In recent years, African countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya have made strides in developing American football programs, with grassroots leagues gaining traction.
The Launch of the Flag Football Championships in Africa
The inaugural African Flag Football Championship will be held later this year, with teams from across the continent competing for the title. Countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Egypt are expected to field strong teams, signaling their commitment to growing the sport within their borders.
This championship will serve as a qualifying tournament for the World Flag Football Championship, as well as an important stepping stone toward the global stage in the lead-up to LA28. Teams competing in the African championship will be given the chance to develop their skills and compete at a higher level, creating greater visibility for the sport across the continent.
South African Flag Football Federation President, David Mathe, shared his excitement: “This is a game-changer for us. South Africa has seen a huge surge in flag football interest, and the opportunity to compete internationally will give us the platform to showcase our players and coaches.”
In Nigeria, where American football has a significant following, the expansion of flag football is seen as a natural next step for the country’s growing sports scene. Nigeria American Football Federation President, Mike Ladi remarked, “Nigeria has always had a deep love for football, and now with flag football’s inclusion in the Olympics, we have a chance to develop our players at an even higher level. The future of American football in Africa is incredibly bright.”
A Step Closer to LA28: Flag Football’s Olympic Journey
Flag football’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics marks a historic milestone for the sport. After years of lobbying and advocacy by various sports bodies, including IFAF and American football’s governing organizations, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially announced flag football as one of the new Olympic sports. This is a huge achievement for American football, which has long been excluded from the Olympic Games.
LA28 Organizing Committee Chair, Casey Wasserman, expressed his enthusiasm for the sport’s inclusion: “Flag football’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics is part of our commitment to showcase a diverse range of sports that resonate with the global community. With millions of fans around the world, flag football is an exciting addition to our Olympic program.”
The move to bring the sport to Africa is crucial as the continent’s athletes now have the chance to qualify for the global stage. African teams will have the opportunity to qualify for the Olympic Flag Football competition via regional qualifiers, which will increase their chances of representing the continent in Los Angeles.
IFAF Vice President for Africa, Fola Omotayo, spoke about the potential for African teams to make history at the Olympics: “This expansion is a major boost for African players. We’re hopeful that African countries will rise to the challenge and produce some of the most competitive teams in the world. Our goal is to give these young athletes the best chance to shine on the biggest stage.”
The Future of Flag Football in Africa
Looking ahead, the IFAF Flag Football Championships will not only serve as a key development platform for Africa’s top athletes but also as a catalyst for long-term growth. The sport’s expansion in Africa will likely lead to increased investments in infrastructure, coaching, and grassroots initiatives, ultimately building a sustainable foundation for American football on the continent.
As flag football continues to gain momentum, African countries are looking to capitalize on the growing excitement. With strong grassroots programs already in place, and African players increasingly gaining recognition internationally, it’s only a matter of time before African teams make a significant impact on the world stage.
A Call for Greater African Participation
The launch of the African Flag Football Championships and the road to the Olympics will encourage not only athletes but also local communities, sponsors, and broadcasters to invest in the sport. It presents an opportunity for Africa to engage with the global sporting community in new ways, offering young people the chance to pursue a career in a sport that is increasingly becoming a part of the Olympic legacy.
