Abuja: The President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Ademola Ar©, has called for increased government and private-sector support as the country prepares for its upcoming international rugby assignment in Uganda. Ar© made the call in Abuja on Saturday against the backdrop of Nigeria’s growing participation in international rugby competitions and its planned appearance at the World Rugby SVNS 3 qualifier in Uganda on Sept. 26 and 27.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ar© stated that Nigeria had made significant progress in the last four to five years, rising to seventh in Africa and gaining access to major competitions at continental and global levels. He emphasized the strides made by Rugby Nigeria, noting the country’s improved standings from a zero level to its current position.
Ar© highlighted Nigeria’s increased participation in national events such as the National Sports Festival, Intermediate Sports Festival, and National Youth Games, which he sees as evidence of the sport’s growing popularity in the country. He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential to compete at the Rugby World Cup level, contingent on securing adequate funding to attract and retain top players, including those playing professionally abroad.
The NRFF president pointed out the financial implications of inviting professional Nigerian players from abroad, as they would need to pause their professional engagements and salaries to play for Nigeria. He explained that a professional player’s participation could require a minimum of 5,000 dollars, in addition to other costs linked to international competitions.
Ar© made an appeal to the National Sports Commission (NSC), corporate organisations, and sports-loving individuals to increase their support for rugby, stressing that government support alone would not suffice. He underscored the various costs involved in running a national rugby team, including accommodation, feeding, transportation, and logistics, emphasizing the critical nature of funding to achieve Nigeria’s rugby ambitions.
He expressed optimism that with sustained support, Nigeria could continue its upward trajectory and compete more strongly at both continental and global levels. The World Rugby SVNS 3 qualifier in Uganda is scheduled for Sept. 26 and 27, where Nigeria will join other African teams in seeking qualification for the 2027 SVNS 3 competition.