NAIROBI, Kenya, April 16 – If all goes according to plan, Africa could well host a National Football League (NFL) match in the future as the sport’s governing body seeks to expand its fanbase across the continent.
Brett Gosper, head of NFL in Europe and Africa, says the idea of a pre-season match on African soil is not far-fetched and could well birth into reality in the near future.
“Well, I wouldn’t want to talk about the idea of a Super Bowl in Africa but I do know I have been in meetings where the idea of a NFL match on the continent has been talked about. It could happen that we may have some match, maybe a pre-season game in Africa at some point,” Gosper said.
Many players who ply their trade in the NFL trace their ancestry to Africa by virtue of having been born on the continent or born to African parents.
Gosper admitted that Africa is a minefield of talent and target audience, noting that the continent is integral to NFL’s desire for the sport’s inclusion in the Olympics.
“There are many NFL players with an African connection, around 125 currently playing in the league. There is a great talent coming out of this market but it is not just about the talent but also the fans. We want to engage with this market…it’s a long game, we want to grow our fanbase,” Gosper said.
He added: “We also have Olympics ambitions where it is important to be strong and spread out in the five markets. Flag football is relevant to the Olympics cause and that also accelerates our focus on Africa.”
He was further candid that the initiative to grow American football in Africa – via the NFL Africa program – should have been intensified ages ago in lieu of the plenty natural talent in the continent.
“Maybe we have not had much focus on it and that is something we are trying to rectify. I think there has always been interest here (Africa) but I think with our bid for Olympic inclusion now is the best time to step up the efforts,” he explained.
Gosper has been in the country in the past week spearheading the NFL Africa Program talent identification camp and a flag football showcase at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani.
Twenty-nine prospects aged 16-21, from African nations including Cameroon, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria and Senegal, took part in a three-day NFL Combine-style camp to showcase their skills.
Players were competing for invites to the NFL International Combine, NFL International Player Pathway Program, or the opportunity to join the NFL Academy in the UK as part of league efforts to advance pathways to play in the NFL for international athletes.
Furthermore, pupils from 10 schools across Nairobi were on Saturday trained on the basics of flag football whereas local primary school teachers as well as officials from Kenya Federation of American Football (KFAF) were coached on flag football to enhance expansion of the sport countrywide.
Commenting on his experience in the past five days, Gosper described Nairobi as a warm and welcoming atmosphere, noting the enthusiasm expressed by young people in embracing American football.
So much fun in the sun. Come one, come all and let's play Flag Football!#NFLAfricaCamp 🇰🇪 #FlagFootball pic.twitter.com/vcNXdKzNqj
— NFL Africa (@NFLAfrica) April 16, 2023
“From a fan point of view, I think we are looking at a core target fanbase of 12-25 years. But…you know, this is a sport for every one…for all ages, shapes and sizes. We are looking to engage that youth market but we are happy when any one engages with sport of football,” he said.
Gosper added: “The reception has been fantastic. We have spent a long time with the sports minister…we spent a lot of time with KAS (Kenya Academy of Sports), with KFAF (Kenya Federation of American Football)…we had a coaching session with the teachers. The reception has been friendly and there is a lot of passion here for the game. A lot of people are learning about it and becoming more passionate and we can see that a lot can be created by even just this small momentum.”
He said NFL Africa will continue to work with schools, KAS, KFAF and other stakeholders across the country to ensure that efforts to grow the sport and unearth talents will be sustained for many years to come.
