The Nigeria Wheelchair Rugby Association has been granted full membership of the World Wheelchair Rugby Federation, following its compliance with all statutory requirements of the international body.

This development was conveyed in a letter signed by Alison Bridge, Head of Administration of the WWR, to the Nigerian wheelchair Association on December 4, 2024.

According to the letter, the provisional approval was made on July 9, 2024 and would be confirmed at the forthcoming General Assembly of the World Wheelchair Rugby Federation.

In a statement by the Secretary of the Nigeria Wheelchair Rugby, Fred Edoreh, the approval follows about two years of efforts by Mr Suleiman Isah, President Nigeria Wheelchair Rugby, also the Secretary General of the Nigeria Paralympic Committee, and members of the board to establish Wheelchair Rugby in Nigeria and meet membership requirements of the international body, in the bid to expand opportunities for Para sports in Nigeria.

“Finally and happily, Nigeria has been granted full membership of the World Wheelchair Rugby Federation. It has been a long journey, and we must commend the President of Nigeria Wheelchair Rugby, Suleiman Isah, for pursuing the process to realisation.

“As Secretary General of the Nigeria Paralympic Committee, his vision has been to expand opportunities for Para sports in Nigeria and elevate the visibility of Nigeria para athletes in international sports.

“As former President of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation, he worked to take the Nigeria Amputee Football team to the Amputee Football World Cup in 2018 in Mexico, for the first time ever, after they team had missed attending three previous editions due to lack of funds and faced the threat of international sanctions.

“He followed up by taking the team to the Africa Amputee Football Nations Cup in Angola in 2019, at which the country finished second, and also to the Tanzania 2021 edition.

“Having repositioned Amputee Football, he has focused on Wheelchair Rugby, in the bid to provide as many international sports opportunities for persons living with disabilities in Nigeria, and it is welcoming that he has pursued the approval of full international membership of Nigeria Wheelchair Rugby to a logical conclusion. The sky is now the limit for as many para sports people in Nigeria.”

The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), in collaboration with its global marketing partner Flovale, has entered a landmark partnership with renowned sportswear brand Umbro. This agreement establishes Umbro as the official kit provider for Nigeria’s national rugby teams, marking a new chapter for the sport in the country.

As part of the deal, Umbro will supply high-performance kits that reflect the essence of Nigerian culture and unity. Speaking on the partnership, Flovale highlighted the deeper significance of the jerseys beyond the game.

“This jersey is more than just sportswear; it’s a profound cultural statement and a powerful symbol of patriotism for Nigerians, both at home and abroad. We encourage Africans and people of diverse ethnicities worldwide to embrace its elegance and artistry, celebrating the heritage and spirit it represents,” Flovale stated.

For the players, the new kits symbolize pride, while for the fans, they represent a shared identity and unity. The partnership also underscores the growing global recognition of Nigerian rugby and its potential to inspire a new generation of players and supporters.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has announced the postponement of its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM), initially scheduled to take place from December 3rd to 5th, 2024. The new dates for the meeting are January 24th to 26th, 2025.

The postponement follows a request from the sponsor, who, due to unforeseen circumstances, has opted to defer the hosting of the AGM until January 2025.

While this decision was not anticipated, the NRFF Board convened an emergency meeting on Sunday to deliberate on the matter. After thorough discussions, the board agreed to reschedule the AGM in the best interest of all stakeholders.

“We regret to announce the postponement of the meeting initially set for December 3rd to 5th, 2024, to the newly scheduled dates of January 24th to 26th, 2025. This decision was necessary to ensure the successful hosting of the AGM,” the NRFF stated.

The federation appreciates the understanding and patience of all stakeholders as it works towards a productive and impactful AGM in the new year.

After day 2 of the maiden Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel National Weightlifting Championship holding is Abuja, Bayelsa State has shot to the top of the medal table with 6 gold and 6 silver medals ahead of 17 other teams vying for honours in the championship.

Competing in the men’s 61 kg weight category, Agboro Favour who lifted 101kg in Snatch , 140 kg in Clean/Jerk to record a total of 241 kg and Ayodele Ruth who had 90 kg in Snatch, 120kg in Clean/Jerk and score a total of 210 kg accounted for Bayelsa state gold medal haul so far.

Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Edo, Ogun and Oyo State are having 3 gold medals each but Ogun is occupying the second position for clinching an additional silver medal while Oyo boasts of an additional 3 bronze medals to move to the 3rd position.

Bauchi State that really started well as far as the race for medals is concerned, are still struggling to grab a gold medal. The state currently boasts of 8 silver and 3 bronze medals.

However, the medal table is expected to change today with the Championship drawing to an end.

However, the first Vice President of the Weightlifting. Federation of Africa (WFA) and former President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Sir Chimdi Ejiogu, who flagged off the Championship, gave Kudos to the President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Dr. Abdul Ibrahim and other stakeholders for thinking it wise to stage the championship.

He described Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) in whose honour the Championship is being held as a living Legend and a great ambassador to Nigeria who is worthy of honour having contributed immensely to the Development of Sports in the country.

According to Sir Ejiogu, someone like Engr. Habu Gumel can best be honored as a living Legend now that he is with us than when he passes on.

President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation who just arrived from America where he went for a befitting programme, said the championship is aimed at discovering new talents that will take over from the retiring ones.

According to him, many good ones are quitting the sports due to old age while others are moving into coaching.

And as a serious, Federation, there is an urgent need to replace them in order not to creat a vacuum. All we need now is a pool of young, vibrant and energetic lifters that will stand the taste of time.
Hence the reason for keeping his hands into his pockets to ensure that this competition is held before the year 2024 runs out.

Besides, there lots of international Championships stirring us in the face next (2025) and we need a real formidable team to face those challenges.

“You can see lifters performance in this event coupled to the first class organization we are witnessing these three days. That is how things are supposed to be done.

So for weightlifting under my leadership and care, the sky is just the beginning. All I keep craving for is for all the stakeholders ( referees and coaches) to play their roles effectively so that together , we will get to where we are going.

There are going to be more domestic championships next year, including the 2nd edition of Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel National open among others.

Meanwhile, the maiden Engr. Gumel National Championship can be described as huge success as turned out to be the gathering of all the who is who in
Nigeria Weightlifting.Scene.

These include, Alhaji Sir Chidi Ejiogu, 1st Vice President Weightlifting Federation of Africa (WFA) and Former President Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) Chibudem Nwuche, Former President NWF Mohammed Abdullahi, Deputy Secretary General Nigeria Olympic Committee, Hon . Daniel Igali, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Muhammad Salis Gamawa, Air Commodore Rahinatu Garba, Dr. Hassan Sadidiq, Dr. Joy Madaki of NIS and Barr, Amos Dushu among others.