In a bid to strengthen the national rugby teams and enhance their international competitiveness, the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has announced plans for intensified training and development programs.
The announcement was made by the Federation’s General Manager, Azeez Ladipo, following Nigeria’s performance at the Africa Men’s Sevens tournament in Mauritius, where the Stallions finished in 7th place.
Ladipo acknowledged the team’s modest finish but emphasized that it represents only the beginning of a long-term strategic push to elevate rugby in Nigeria. “Our performance in Mauritius is a stepping stone,” he said.
“We’re looking beyond short-term results and focusing on building a culture of excellence through routine camping exercises and high-performance training.”
According to Ladipo, the NRFF is designing a year-round training schedule that will involve local and international camps, as well as exposure to elite competition. The goal, he said, is to ensure that Nigerian rugby athletes are physically and mentally prepared for the rigours of continental and global competitions.
“We’re investing in structure,” he explained. “It’s about creating a pipeline of talent that gets the right support from grassroots through to the national level. With consistent training and international exposure, our teams can compete with the best.”
Ladipo also revealed that the Federation is working closely with the Ministry of Sports and corporate sponsors to secure resources for these initiatives. He stressed that rugby, although still developing in Nigeria, has enormous potential and growing popularity among youth.
The NRFF hopes that with increased support, Nigeria will not only improve in future tournaments but also become a rugby powerhouse on the continent.