Kenyan youngsters motivated by impressive show at NFL Flag tournament

Barely a few years after its introduction in Kenya, it is now evident that American Football or the National Football League (NFL) is gradually gaining popularity in the country.

The game is spreading like wildfire in most Kenyan schools and colleges, where the regular NFL was introduced in 2012 as NFL Flag (non-contact), followed in 2018, with Kenyan primary schools embracing the latter in 2023.

The popularity of NFL Flag in the country was loudly pronounced at the just-concluded NFL Flag Continental Youth Championship in Cairo, Egypt where Kenya bagged silver behind the hosts, who struck gold.

Kenya stamped authority in the U13 category at the African showpiece, where the country was represented by Green Edgewood Academy from Githurai, Nairobi.

The players who graced the continental showdown have now hinted that the trip became a great eye-opener in the sport, which they are no longer willing to let go.

Daniel Njuguna, who was voted the tournament's Offensive Most Valuable Player (MVP), says the Cairo championship furnished them with vital skills and experiences that will help them grow in the game.

“I love this sport, my dream is to follow in the footsteps of other Kenyan internationals like Daniel Adongo and Rees Odhiambo, who have plied their trade in the famed NFL league in America.

"I was able to score more points for Kenya in Cairo because I'm very swift, I'm the fastest in the team. I'm happy that I was able to show the world what I'm capable of, and this ultimately earned me the MVP status," the quarterback and defensive rusher told Standard Sports.

Just like Njuguna, Petro Kariuki too has wild dreams to search for glory in the sport in America when he grows up.

Kariuki was very instrumental for the Kenyan in Cairo, turning tides for the team in very crucial moments that sailed them all through to the finals. Due to his feat and antics, Kariuki was voted the team's MVP by KFAF coaches.

"I'm so happy. This is a great accolade, which I'll cherish forever, I feel motivated to even go deeper into this sport now," Kariuki highlighted.

Team captain Owen Gachinga says the continental showdown gave him a rare opportunity to travel and explore the world.

“I had never been on a plane, let alone getting out of Kenya. In Egypt, we were able to see historical sites like the Pyramids that we only read in books or watch in movies. The trip was a great eye-opener," the skipper narrated.

Abie Amani, who also doubles as the Kenya Girls team captain, reckoned about the Egypt trip and championship, saying: “I’m so grateful for this opportunity. We visited the pyramids and stayed in a nice hotel. We also visited and had a warm chat with the Kenyan Ambassador to Egypt. I don’t think there’s another sport I’d rather play than the NFL Flag.”

Head coach Moses Waweru believes the country is on the right path towards mastering the American football categories; the NFL (regular or contact) and the NFL Flag (non-contact).

Waweru, who led his side with passion and discipline in Cairo, praised the squad he mounted, saying: “We came out with a solid team full of character and infectious positivity. They showed out on the field and quickly became the fans’ favourite. Back home, I urge parents to let their children embrace the NFL Flag as a sport.”

Due to the good run in Cairo, Kenya Federation of American Football (KFAF) president George Alwanga says they are not sleeping on their laurels.

Already the association has set a date for an U15 tournament of already registered schools in the KFAF programme and 20 high schools in Western Kenya, to be played this August.

"As for the U-12, we will hold the trials early next year so the athletes that are borderline don’t miss out on the opportunity. The winner of the Nairobi championship will get a slot to represent Kenya in the 2026 NFL Flag Continental Youth Championship.

“We’re grateful to the NFL International and to our partners at the Ministry of Sports and Ministry of Education for their support," Alwanga underlined.

The federation is also set to kick off the second edition of the KFAF Circuit League in September, which is contested at the university and pro levels.

"In addition to expanding the game to other regions like the Rift Valley and Central, we will also have the East Africa Championship later this year, between November and December, to be staged in Kenya and Uganda," Alwanga stated.

Alwanga has hinted that Kenya has plans to host continental championships in the near future due to the country's growth in the sport and the already existing cordial partnership with NFL International.

"Coming this far with such a new and exciting sport is a huge milestone for us in Kenya,” said Alwanga.

“My role is to create opportunities for our athletes. While it would have been incredible to bring the trophy home, we will be back stronger. I encourage schools and teachers to adopt this dynamic sport. Let learners explore.”