President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Ademola Aare, has assured stakeholders that the federation is committed to building on last year’s achievements while intensifying efforts to grow the sport across the country, with particular focus on coaching development and women’s participation.
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Speaking on the federation’s plans, Aare said rugby in Nigeria is on a steady growth path, but more deliberate structures must be put in place to sustain progress and expand participation nationwide.
According to him, one of the major priorities for the coming year is capacity building through regular coaching clinics and technical programmes.
“We are determined to build on the successes recorded last year,” Aare said. “One key area we are focusing on is education. We will be organising more coaching clinics for coaches, technical advisers and other stakeholders to ensure everyone is aligned with modern rugby standards.”
Aare explained that improving the quality of coaching is essential to developing better players and stronger national teams, stressing that long-term growth depends on investing in people, not just competitions.
He noted that the federation wants to create a system where coaches are continuously updated and equipped with the right knowledge.
Another major concern highlighted by the federation president is the low level of women’s participation in rugby. Aare admitted that while the men’s game has seen gradual progress, the women’s side still lags behind and requires urgent attention.
“Women’s participation is one of the areas we are not satisfied with,” he stated. “We need to do more to encourage women and girls to take up rugby. That is something we are addressing deliberately this year.”
He added that the federation plans to introduce targeted grassroots programmes, awareness campaigns and competitions aimed at attracting more female players into the sport, while also providing pathways for their development at different levels.
Aare stressed that inclusiveness is critical for rugby’s growth in Nigeria, noting that countries with strong rugby cultures thrive because both men and women are fully integrated into the sport’s ecosystem.
“Rugby must be for everyone,” he said. “If we truly want the sport to grow, we must create opportunities across all demographics.”
The Nigeria Rugby Federation president expressed optimism that with sustained investment in coaching, stakeholder collaboration and deliberate efforts to boost women’s participation, rugby can achieve greater visibility and competitiveness in Nigeria.
He urged stakeholders to continue supporting the federation’s vision, adding that consistent effort will yield long-term results for the sport.
