NRFF, National Institute For Sports Move To Boost Rugby Development In Nigeria
Nigeria’s drive to build a stronger sports ecosystem is gaining momentum as the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) and the National Institute for Sports (NIS) begin talks on a strategic partnership to enhance coaching education, technical development and grassroots rugby across the country.
During a visit to the Institute in Lagos, the NRFF donated rugby balls and other sporting equipment to support the NIS Coaches Olympics, underscoring its commitment to advancing sports development through collaboration.
Representing NRFF President, Dr Ademola Are, the Federation’s General Manager, Azeez Ladipo, said the NRFF has invested significantly in developing coaches, match officials, medical personnel and educators with support from World Rugby and Rugby Africa.
He noted that the Federation is now equipped to deliver internationally recognised World Rugby certification courses in partnership with the Institute.
Ladipo also highlighted the success of the Rugby Rising Play Nigeria programme, which has introduced non-contact rugby to 7,343 girls aged between 10 and 18 across 20 states, with plans to expand the initiative nationwide.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Director General of the National Institute for Sports, Philip Shaibu, the Institute’s Registrar, Belmond Benson, described the proposed partnership as a major step towards strengthening coaching excellence, capacity building and sports development.
Visiting Professor Fasun also emphasised the need to deepen rugby awareness through education and grassroots engagement.
Both organisations agreed to continue discussions towards a formal partnership that will introduce World Rugby certification programmes at the Institute while expanding coaching opportunities and supporting the sustainable growth of rugby in Nigeria.
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