The focus of attention for Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) this year will be mostly on youth development efforts and empowering women to play more active roles in the gritty sport.
Sports247 revealed that the federation’s youth centric and female gender friendly approach is the NRFF’s focal point in its programme for 2026, to chart a better course for rugby in Nigeria.
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Making this known in a press statement, the NRFF’s media contact, Tolu Oguntimehin added that the federation’s calendar of activities will involve an expansive domestic structure.
Oguntimehin disclosed further that the NRFF will also stage a renewed drive to reposition women’s rugby on the continental stage, as well as focus on grassroots growth, youth development and high-performance pathways.
While assuring that 2026 will witness one of the federation’s broadest domestic frameworks in recent years, Oguntimehin also revealed that extra impetus will be given to build stronger international competitiveness in rugby 7s and 15s formats.
He stated that this year’s expansive domestic competitions will include a National 7s Circuit (men’s and women’s) across host states such as Kano, Lagos, Delta, and Edo, as well as six-zone National 15s League, leading to national finals in Abuja.
It also includes youth tournaments including Get Into Rugby 2.0 (U13 and U18), Rugby 7s at the National Youth Games (U15) as well as community and school competitions – Golden 7s Schools Tournament and National Open 7s (U18).
Oguntimehin added, “We will also undertake international exposure through the Africa Cup 7s (men) in Mauritius and other fixtures. We will increase match exposure, strengthen talent identification, and ensure nationwide participation.
“A major highlight of the 2026 agenda is the revitalisation of Nigeria’s Women’s Rugby programme. The NRFF has submitted a bid to host the Africa Cup Women’s 7s Regional Qualifier in Lagos/Ogun.
“Hosting the tournament would restore Nigeria’s women’s team to the continental rankings and provide a pathway to the Africa Women’s Cup 7s; as well as participation in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Division 1 (15s) in Tunisia.
“That would be a potential route toward qualification for Africa’s elite women’s rugby competition. The dual 7s and 15s strategy is aimed at building a sustainable and competitive women’s programme.”
Sports247 gathered further that the NRFF’s programme for 2026 also includes capacity building activities, like World Rugby-accredited courses for coaches, medical personnel, match officials and conditioning professionals.
These will be staged alongside anti-doping education and structured school engagement initiatives, which will extend into the federation’s international outlook in a season that has been described as pivotal.
“Nigeria is set to compete in the Africa Cup 7s (men’s), pursue international test opportunities, and strengthen regional collaboration through the West Africa Rugby Series under Rugby Africa structures.
“Our domestic competitions are stronger, our women’s programme has a clear continental pathway, and our youth initiatives continue to expand. We are building a sustainable rugby ecosystem for Nigeria’s future.
“The 2026 calendar represents a strategic blueprint for performance growth, women’s empowerment, and Nigeria’s sustained resurgence in African rugby,” the NRFF’s media statement concluded.
