NFL Targets Africa Growth with Kenya Flag Football

The NFL visited Kenya this weekend for its latest African competition. This move shows the league\’s desire to find new fans for American football.

Expanding the Reach of US Sports

American sports companies want to enter the African market. For example, the NBA launched the Basketball Africa League in 2019. That league operates out of Rwanda.

Recently, the NFL held its third annual flag football tournament in Africa. Flag football is a non-contact version of the game. It is growing fast globally. In fact, it will debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Tournament Results and Talent Search

The three-day event produced exciting results. Egypt won the men\’s competition. They defeated teams from Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. Meanwhile, Nigeria took the victory in the women\’s division.

Additionally, the event featured a talent search. NFL scouts attended to find the next big star for the league.

\”Flag football is very accessible. Everybody can play it,\” said Osi Umenyiora. He won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants. Now, he leads NFL Africa.

Furthermore, Umenyiora explained the league\’s goals. He stated that participation is vital as the NFL grows across Africa. He added that sports provide hope and an escape for people.

Nigeria\’s Path to the Olympics

Consequently, Nigeria has already secured a spot at the flag football world championships. This event takes place in Dusseldorf, Germany, this August. The team hopes to qualify for the Olympics there.

Nigerian coach Ephraim Faloughi noted their long history with the sport. \”We have been playing NFL flag football since 2016,\” he said. He noted that Nigeria now has 40 teams. Therefore, they have an advantage over other African nations. He added that he never expected to see an Olympian from his team.

In recent years, the NFL has expanded its global footprint. The league has already played games in Europe and South America.