The National Football League (NFL) has successfully hosted the fourth edition of the NFL FLAG National Championship in Ghana, drawing together young athletes from across the country to compete in one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, flag football.
The two-day tournament took place at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium in Accra, featuring top teams in the 12U Co-Ed and 14U Girls and Boys divisions. Nima 1 emerged victorious in the 12U Co-Ed division, Nima 1 Basic Schoolclaimed the 14U Girls title, while St. Kizito Basic School triumphed in the 14U Boys division. The 12U Co-Ed winners, Nima 1, will represent Ghana at the NFL FLAG Africa Championship in 2026.
Flag football has witnessed tremendous growth in Ghana since the launch of NFL FLAG in 2022, which began in 10 schools across Accra. Today, the program has expanded to over 30 schools nationwide, with Ghanaian teams proudly representing the country at international tournaments, including the 2023 and 2024 NFL Pro Bowl Games.
According to Afia Law of NFL FLAG International, the national tournament has become a key platform for young athletes to demonstrate their skill and passion. “It’s been inspiring to see the rapid growth of flag football in Ghana. We’re committed to creating even more opportunities for youth across the region to enjoy and compete in this game,” she said.
The development of flag football in Ghana has been supported by NFL teams and players, notably the Philadelphia Eagles, who have official marketing rights in Ghana under the league’s Global Markets Program. The Eagles have actively promoted the sport through community events, youth activations, and NFL game watch parties.
Additionally, Brian Asamoah, a Las Vegas Raiders linebacker of Ghanaian descent, has been instrumental in expanding the sport’s reach. Last year, Asamoah organized a flag football camp and scouting combine in Ghana, providing young athletes with a platform to display their talents. His ongoing engagement is seen as crucial in developing Ghana’s national flag football team, which could participate in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Strengthening Skills Across Africa
Earlier this year, the NFL and the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) collaborated to host a flag football coaching and officiating clinic in Ghana. The event brought together participants from 10 African countries, offering both classroom and field-based learning designed to accelerate the sport’s growth across the continent.
About NFL FLAG
NFL FLAG is the official youth flag football program of the National Football League, operating in 12 international markets outside the U.S. The sport is celebrated for being fast-paced, inclusive, and non-contact, offering opportunities for both boys and girls to develop teamwork, discipline, and leadership. Women and girls, in particular, have been driving much of the sport’s recent growth globally.
With initiatives like the NFL FLAG Championship, Ghana is positioning itself as a hub for flag football development in Africa, paving the way for young athletes to gain global exposure and future opportunities in sports.