Technical Director of the Nigeria Federation of American Football (NFAF), Bodurin Sasore, says the Nigerian men’s and women’s national flag football teams are fully prepared to test themselves against Africa’s best as they continue their build-up to the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Düsseldorf, Germany.
The Nigerian national flag football teams are currently in Nairobi, Kenya, where they will compete in the NFL Flag Tournament, an international competition featuring some of the continent’s top flag football nations, including hosts Kenya, Egypt, Ghana and South Africa.
The tournament forms a key part of Nigeria’s preparations for the World Championships, where the country will represent Africa after winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural 2025 IFAF Africa Flag Football Championships in Cairo, Egypt.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Sasore said the opportunity to compete against quality opposition is an important step in preparing both teams for the challenges that await in Germany.
“Our focus is on continuing our preparations for the World Championships while demonstrating why Nigeria is regarded as one of the leading flag football nations in Africa. The players understand the responsibility that comes with representing the country, and they are ready for the challenge.”
The NFAF Technical Director noted that the Kenya tournament provides the coaching staff with another opportunity to assess the squads in a competitive environment after months of nationwide trials, residential training camps and the recently concluded Nigeria Showcase held in Lagos.
According to him, every match is an opportunity to improve.
“International competition is different from training. It allows us to evaluate our systems, build stronger team chemistry and expose our players to different styles of play before we get to the World Championships. We are confident in the quality and commitment of both our men’s and women’s national flag football teams.”
Nigeria arrives in Kenya as the reigning African champion after making history by becoming the first country to win both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural continental championship in Egypt.
The Kenya tournament has also been made possible through the support of the National Football League (NFL), which is sponsoring Nigeria’s participation by covering the national teams’ international flights, accommodation and tournament-related expenses.
Following the Nairobi tournament, the Nigerian men’s and women’s national flag football teams will proceed to Germany for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships, scheduled for August 13 to 16 in Düsseldorf.
The tournament carries added significance as it serves as the first Olympic qualifying event on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, where flag football will make its historic debut as an Olympic sport.
For Sasore, however, the immediate task is clear.
“Kenya is another important step in our journey. We want to continue improving, compete at the highest level and ensure we arrive in Germany fully prepared to represent Nigeria and Africa with pride.”
As Africa’s reigning champions, the Nigerian men’s and women’s national flag football teams will be looking to build on their continental success and carry that momentum onto the world stage when they compete against the best flag football nations in Düsseldorf.
