Representatives from 12 African countries gathered at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium for a pivotal three-day NFL Flag clinic on March 27-29, aimed at equipping coaches and educators to expand flag football across the continent ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
NFL International Flag Football Development Manager Afia Law hailed the event as a game-changer for continental expansion. “We have representatives from 12 countries here from around Africa, which is fantastic,” she said. “We’re partnering with IFAF to work with their member federations to help grow the game.”
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Law spotlighted Ghana’s emerging role as a flag football hub, thanks to its talented coaches, teachers, and schools. “The work we do here spreads across the whole continent,” she added, noting the clinic’s perfect timing for knowledge-sharing and networking as nations vie for Olympic spots.
IFAF Sport Manager Lars Carlsen praised the coaches’ enthusiasm. “It’s a good event for developing flag football across Africa,” he said. “Coaches are eager to learn and bring the sport back home to grow it in their countries.”
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Participants shared the excitement. Sierra Leone Olympian Hafsatu “Hafsa” Kamara called it a vital step for a young sport: “It’s about building and growing the sport. We’re young in this space, but excited to be part of it.”
Nigerian Federation of American Football VP Lawrence Ojaideh agreed: “It’s exciting to be part of a system that helps you grow and give back.”
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Participants received certificates and assorted goodies upon completing the NFL-IFAF training sessions at Legon’s Rugby Stadium.
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The clinic earned rave reviews from attendees committed to expanding flag football at home. Buoyed by its success, the NFL and IFAF plan more initiatives to build the sport across Africa.
