On October 20, 2024, over 400 enthusiastic spectators gathered at the Adringanor Astro Turf in Accra for the first-ever adult flag football championship – the Flag All-Star Game, hosted by the Philadelphia Eagles Ghana Chapter and sponsored by the Philadelphia Eagles NFL team. This landmark event marked a significant moment for the fast-growing sport of flag football, which will be featured in the 2028 Olympics. Flag football is a non-contact, fast-paced variation of American football that emphasizes speed, skill, and teamwork, making it increasingly popular globally.
The Philadelphia Eagles, through the NFL Global Markets Program (GMP), hold exclusive marketing rights to Ghana and have made a commitment to developing American football in the country. This commitment was on full display as six adult flag football teams – Accra Lightening Stars, Cape Coast Predators, Elite Sports United, Flag Fury, Koftown Bisons, and Tema Pirates – competed for the coveted Flag All-Star Game trophy. The event was further supported by NFL Africa and the Ghana American Football Federation (GAFF), which plays a key role in the growth of American football locally.
The day was electric, with SWOOP, the Philadelphia Eagles’ mascot, energizing the crowd and bringing fun to the field. Popular creators – Big Kumz, Dre Otubuah, Fentuo from Joy Sports, Kaly Jay, and Lisa Q brought energy and excitement, cheering on the teams throughout the tournament.
In an intense final game, Elite Sports United secured first place with a narrow 8-6 victory, winning the grand prize of the Flag All-Star Game trophy and exclusive Philadelphia Eagles merchandise. The Cape Coast Predators put up a valiant fight, finishing second, while the Koftown Bisons claimed third place.
Shadrack Kossi of the Cape Coast Predators was named Best Offensive Player, having previously been part of the U-12 Nima 2 Championship team that competed in the NFL U-12 Pro Bowl Flag Games. Richard Browne Asare of Elite Sports United was named the tournament’s MVP and also won Best Defensive Player.
The Flag All-Star Game followed the U-12 NFL Flag Championship, which was held the day before. The U-12 tournament, hosted by NFL Africa in partnership with the Philadelphia Eagles Ghana Chapter and GAFF, saw 12 finalist schools competing for the championship title.
Among the attendees at the Flag All-Star Game were students from schools such as Umar Bun Hatab Islamic Basic School in Madina, Islamic Training Institute Basic School in Nima, and Al-Waleed Comprehensive Islamic Basic School in Nima, the U-12 champions.
These students enjoyed participating in fun activities such as corn hole, free throw contests, and the 40-yard dash, winning Eagles merchandise as prizes.
The day culminated in a watch party for the Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants game, where fans witnessed the Eagles’ dominant 28-3 victory, adding the perfect ending to an exhilarating day of flag football and NFL excitement.
The first-ever Flag All-Star Game was a remarkable success and showcased the growth of American football in Ghana. With the Philadelphia Eagles’ commitment to nurturing local talent and creating more opportunities for flag football, the future looks bright for the sport in Ghana.