By Amaechi Agbo
The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has intensified efforts to spread rugby across the country, recently launching the sport in Kogi State. This initiative marks a significant step in the NRFF’s mission to promote and develop rugby nationwide.
NRFF Development Officer, Coach Wuraola Hussain, was invited to Ekinrin Adde in Kogi State by Kabiesi Olu Adde, his son Barrister Dayo Babalola, and Mrs. Kanjuni O. Lilian, a Board Member and Head of the NRFF Medical Committee. Their collaboration aimed to lay the foundation for rugby in the region, introducing the sport to local communities and fostering a new generation of players.
With Kogi State embracing rugby, many youths now have platforms to showcase their potential at state, zonal, and national levels. This initiative is expected to create a ripple effect that will galvanize the growth of the sport across Nigeria. The establishment of rugby in Kogi is not just about playing the game; it is about building a robust infrastructure that includes state associations, schools, clubs, and community involvement.
In the last three years, Nigerian rugby has witnessed a resurgence, with the national team participating in pre-Olympic qualifiers in Mauritius and Zimbabwe, ultimately reaching the quarter-finals before losing to South Africa. The Black Stallions, Nigeria’s rugby team, are set to leave for Mauritius again to compete in the Africa Cup Rugby Sevens tournament, where they will face teams from Kenya, Madagascar, and the host nation.
The introduction of rugby to Kogi is seen as a positive development, expected to attract direct investment into the state’s rugby programs. This will foster formal partnerships with local and international authorities, driving further development. By bringing together state associations, schools, clubs, communities, and individuals, the NRFF aims to create a sustainable and thriving rugby environment in Kogi State and beyond.
