Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) president, Dr. Ademola Are, has reaffirmed his commitment to developing the sport from the ground up following his participation in the World Rugby summit held in England.
The meeting, which gathered 133 union leaders ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham, provided a platform to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and chart the sport’s long-term direction.
Are emphasised that Nigeria’s rugby revival hinges on grassroots structures such as coaching, referee training, and the Rugby Rising initiative, which is designed to introduce more young girls to the game.
“I am laying the foundation for tomorrow’s rugby. It will take time, but with proper structures and passionate people, Nigeria can stand alongside England, South Africa, and New Zealand,” he said. “Sponsors will come once the game is thriving locally — that’s the path we’re pursuing.”
He also highlighted that the summit created new avenues for Nigeria to reconnect internationally following the lifting of its suspension from World Rugby.
“This event has allowed us to strengthen relationships with member nations and explore opportunities that will aid rugby’s development at home,” Are noted.
On the domestic front, the NRFF recently concluded zonal elections across the six geopolitical zones. The new representatives include Wuraola Hussaini (South West), Onyekachi Ibegbulam (South East), Emmanuel Godwin (South South), Salisu Garba (North East), Aliyu Mohammed (North West), and Pius Longman (North Central).
They join returning board members such as Azeez Ladipo and Angulu Suleiman (athletes’ and technical reps), Professor Modupeola Banjo (Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria), and Are himself as NAPHER-SD representative.
With the zonal polls complete, focus now shifts to the vice presidential and presidential elections scheduled for October 18 in Abuja, where the leadership that will steer Nigerian rugby’s next chapter will be decided.
