The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has commenced discussions with the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Lagos, on a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening coaching education, technical development, and grassroots sports participation in Nigeria.
As part of the visit, the NRFF donated rugby balls and other sporting equipment to support the Institute’s forthcoming Coaches Olympics, reaffirming its commitment to sports development and collaboration.
Representing the President of the NRFF, Dr. Ademola Are, the General Manager, Mr. Azeez Ladipo, highlighted the Federation’s significant investment in coach education with the support of World Rugby and Rugby Africa. He noted that the NRFF has successfully upskilled Nigerian coaches, match officials, medical personnel, and educators, and now has the capacity to deliver internationally recognised World Rugby certification courses in partnership with the Institute.
Mr. Ladipo also outlined the Federation’s grassroots success through its Rugby Rising Play Nigeria programme, which has introduced non-contact rugby to 7,343 girls aged 10–18 across 20 states, with further expansion planned. He explained that the Federation’s focus is now on scaling participation nationwide while continuing to strengthen its technical capacity.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Director General/CEO, H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Registrar, Mr. Belmond Benson, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a valuable opportunity to advance coaching excellence, capacity building, and sports development. Visiting Professor, Prof. Fasun, also stressed the importance of increasing rugby awareness through education and grassroots engagement.
Both organisations agreed to continue discussions towards a formal partnership that will expand coaching opportunities, introduce World Rugby certification programmes at the Institute, and contribute to the sustainable growth of rugby and sports education in Nigeria.
