Kenya Claims Its First Ever Medal At The 2026 Nfl Flag Africa Continental Championship.

The women’s team defeated Ghana to win bronze  Kenya’s first medal in flag football history. The men fought to the final whistle and went down narrowly in overtime. A historic weekend at Nyayo National Stadium that no one in Kenyan American Football(Flag football) will ever forget.

THE WOMEN MAKE HISTORY 

Kenya’s First Ever Flag Football Medal.

This is the one that will be remembered. The Kenya Women’s Flag Football team stepped onto the Nyayo National Stadium turf in the bronze medal match, faced Ghana, and won. It was not just a victory in a game — it was Kenya’s first medal in flag football, ever. A milestone that had never been reached before was reached on home soil, in front of a home crowd, at a tournament Kenya was proud to host.

The team assembled for this championship had been built with intent — through national trials, structured training, and the belief that Kenyan women could compete with the best on the continent. On the day that mattered most, they proved every bit of that right.

THE MEN — SO CLOSE 

Fourth Place. Overtime. No Regrets.

The men’s team gave everything. Their run through the tournament came down to a single game against South Africa for a place on the podium — and when 40 minutes could not separate the sides, it went to overtime. South Africa edged it in the extra period, and Kenya finished fourth overall in a field of five nations.

Fourth place in a continental championship, in overtime, at an event Kenya was hosting for the first time — that is not defeat. That is a statement of where this programme is and where it is going. The men now know exactly the standard required. They will be back in 2027, and they will be ready.

Kenya Results — 2026 NFL Flag Africa Continental Championship:

      Youth(U13) Division represent by Mirema School

THE PRESIDENT RESPONDS

“The first of its kind in Kenya is no coincidence. We are a nation that either sets records or breaks them — and on this particular occasion we set history. The level at which this event was put together was above and beyond. We are very proud to have been given the chance to be local host for such a remarkable event from the NFL. Kenya stepped up when it was called. Thank you to our incredible partners at the NFL.”

— KFAF President Mr. Alwanga, Kenya Federation of American Football

A TOURNAMENT FOR THE BOOKS

What the Continent Said About Nairobi.

From Left to Right: George Alwanga(KFAF Presidnet), Nick (AFFS-South Africa) , Steve Okeng(Presidnet AFFU-Uganda), Ali Rafeek(President EFAF-Egypt),  Moses Ondeng(VP KFAF), Awasum E.M Jnr(IFAF Director Africa), Abdul Razak Issah (SG- Ghana American Football Federation )

The feedback from travelling teams across all five nations told one consistent story: this was an event run to the highest standard, and Kenya delivered on every front. On the field, off the field, in the hospitality, and in the warmth of a country that knows how to welcome the world.

"Kenya has proven to be an exceptional host, offering numerous remarkable experiences. The caliber of competition observed in Nairobi demonstrates the depth of talent within our region, positioning us to contend at the highest global levels. We extend our gratitude to NFL Africa for their outstanding initiative and anticipate continued collaboration. The 2027 continental championships are poised to be highly competitive, and we eagerly await them."

—Awasum E.M Jnr,  IFAF Director Africa

“This event has been exceptionally well-organized, and our victory in this championship underscores our sustained investment in the sport. Our men's team securing the championship and our women's team achieving first runner-up status is not a mere coincidence. We are now firmly committed to replicate the success in the 2027 IFAF Continentals. A heartfelt thank you to my friend George and KFAF team at large, for the exceptional work carried out behind the scenes to bring this event to life. The tournament may have concluded, but its impact will continue to inspire the next generation of atheletes.” 

—Ali Rafeek, President of the Egypt Federation of American Football.

“Kenya’s hospitality, organization, and energy made this a landmark moment for flag football on the continent. The NFL deserves a lot of credit for investing in the sport in Africa and giving us a stage to compete on. I’m incredibly proud of my Nigerian girls, the Fairies. We faced challenges along the way, but finished with the tournament’s best defense and best offense. Honestly, you can’t ask for more than that.”

— Pelumi Adesina, Nigeria Federation of American Football 

Those words from the visiting delegation capture what Kenya represented durig the championship. Sports tourism, continental credibility, and the kind of hosting that makes other federations wish they had put their hand up first. Nyayo National Stadium provided the stage. KFAF, the Ministry of Sports, and Sports Kenya provided everything else.

THE PEOPLE WHO MADE IT HAPPEN

Quote from NFL

"The NFL Flag Africa Continental Championship reflects the continued growth of flag football around the world," said Brian Flinn, NFL Senior Vice President, Global Flag Football. "As flag football continues building momentum toward its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, events like this are helping strengthen the sport's foundation while creating meaningful opportunities for athletes at every level. Congratulations to Kenya on hosting a successful championship and on securing its first-ever medal at the continental level, a milestone that reflects the continued development of the sport across Africa."

Thank You to the Partners.

Official Partners & Acknowledgements:

None of this happens without the right people in the right corners. KFAF extends its deepest gratitude to every partner who believed in Kenya as a host nation and helped make the 2026 NFL Flag Africa Continental Championship a reality.

Left to Right: Evans Achoki - Secretary Administration, State Department for Sports, Timonthy Kilimo-Sport Kenya DG

WHAT COMES NEXT

Build on It. Fix It. Come Back Stronger.

A bronze medal is not a ceiling  it is a foundation. KFAF enters the next cycle with a clear-eyed understanding of the continental level of competition, a better read of where Kenya’s teams need to sharpen up, and the hunger that only comes from knowing a podium finish is achievable. The 2027 IFAF African Continental Championships are the next major target, and preparation continues.

“We had some very close games and we were mostly edged out by more experienced opponents. The teams we faced were strong, and every match tested us. Losing the bronze medal game to South Africa in overtime was difficult for the boys, especially after they played with such courage, strength, and heart. We have a very young squad, and we will continue to build and develop this team for future continental competitions. We are confident that we will hit our mark in the next challenge. Thank you to KFAF for trusting us to build a team for the future.”

— Bahati Joseph, Head coach Men’s Team Kenya

“This was the first time we brought a team together to compete at the continental level, so bringing home bronze is an incredible achievement. Feedback from other coaches confirmed that we performed very well, and we are looking forward to building on the lessons learned from this tournament. We will not be the same team next time—we will come back stronger and compete for it all.”

— Tumaka Saleh, Head coach Women’s Team Kenya

Bronze Today. Gold Tomorrow. 🥉🏈🇰🇪

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