NRFF boss excited over rugby’s readmittance into National Sports Festival
By Olaolu Joseph
The President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Dr. Ademola Are, has expressed excitement over the readmittance of rugby into the National Sports Festival, ahead of the Gateway Games scheduled to hold in Ogun State which will take place in Ogun State from May 16 to 30, 2025.
This decision follows the approval of the Joint Technical Committee for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, which unanimously agreed on rugby’s inclusion after a thorough evaluation.
The committee cited the sport’s rising popularity, increased grassroots participation, and growing national followership as key reasons for the reinstatement.
Speaking on this milestone, Dr. Are extended heartfelt appreciation to the Director General of the National Sports Commission and Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Chief Bukola Olopade; the Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development in Ogun State, Honourable Wasiu Isiaka; and the entire Joint Technical Committee.
He commended their vision, commitment, and willingness to support the evolution and diversification of sports in Nigeria.
According to Dr. Are, the return of rugby to the festival is not just a win for the sport but also a golden opportunity for talent discovery and national team development. “With this development, Nigerians can once again experience the thrill of top-level rugby at the festival.
“More importantly, national team selectors will be present at the games to scout for promising talents as we prepare for the prestigious Africa Cup Sevens, scheduled to hold in Mauritius from June 18 to 23, 2025,” he stated.
