Favorite vs challenger: Nordic Storm hosts the Prague Lions to open the EFA season
After an impressive debut season, Nordic Storm faces its next major test in Week 1 of the new European Football Alliance. On Saturday, the team from Copenhagen and Malmö hosts the Prague Lions at Gladsaxe Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 PM CET. While Nordic Storm once again enters the season as one of the top favorites after reaching the semifinals last year, the Prague Lions could become one of the most dangerous underdogs in European football in 2026.
Few organizations have developed as rapidly over the last two years as the Prague Lions. The franchise was once viewed as one of the weakest teams in Europe, but recently appeared significantly more stable and professional. Head Coach James Brooks especially assembled a coaching staff during the offseason that attracted attention across the league. With Fred Armstrong, Reginald Mitchell, Michael Taylor and Malik Jackson, the Prague Lions now feature tremendous experience and football knowledge on the sidelines.
The most important addition, however, arrived at quarterback. With Jaylon Henderson, the Prague Lions signed a proven winner who already knows how to lead teams to championships. The former Paris Musketeers quarterback previously won two German championships with the Potsdam Royals and is now expected to establish a new winning mentality in Prague.
“Everyone here has exceeded my expectations. The management is doing a phenomenal job taking care of the players and I truly believe we are building something really special here,” Henderson said after his first weeks with the Prague Lions.
Offensively, Prague now possesses noticeably more talent. Running back Adam Zouzelka remained with the team after recording 861 rushing yards last season, finishing fourth in the league. Wide receiver William Patterson also stayed in Prague and developed into one of the most dangerous playmakers in the league with 754 receiving yards. Henderson already praised his new receiver connection early in camp.
“Willi P is one of the best imports I’ve ever played with,” the Prague Lions quarterback said.
The development of the Czech homegrown players also remains highly impressive. Especially the defensive line around Janoušek, Smutný and Vitvar has taken enormous steps forward over the last few years and now performs at a true European top level. Even though many experts still view the Prague Lions as outsiders in the EFA, the team could become one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 season.
But opening against Nordic Storm presents one of the toughest challenges possible. The organization from Copenhagen and Malmö already impressed during its first season with eight consecutive wins and an immediate semifinal appearance. The vision behind the project remains unchanged: bringing together the best Nordic football players and building one of the strongest programs in Europe.
Nordic Storm is once again led by quarterback Jadrian Clark. The experienced signal caller was already one of the most productive quarterbacks in Europe last season and now enters his tenth season playing football in Europe. Clark is surrounded by major offensive weapons including running back Glen Toonga, wide receiver Brendan Beaulieu and a physical offensive line featuring Victor Stoffel and Elliot Heijmer.
Defensively, Nordic Storm also brings enormous quality into the season. Players such as David Tawake, Hugo Dyrendahl and Benjamin Egbudiwe provide athleticism and speed across the entire defense. In addition, the unique structure of the franchise allows Nordic Storm to recruit homegrown players from both Denmark and Sweden, giving the organization access to an unusually deep talent pool.
Despite entering the game as the clear favorite, Nordic Storm will not underestimate the Prague Lions. The improved offensive quality in Prague could make the Lions a far more dangerous opponent than in previous years. At the same time, Nordic Storm wants to prove immediately that last season’s semifinal run was only the beginning.