The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation is setting the stage for a revolution in girls’ sports by targeting 5,000 young players across the country. The inaugural phase of the Rugby Rising Play (TI Rugby) program kicked off in schools nationwide, marking an exhilarating start to week one.
The first week’s training sessions dazzled participants with dynamic drills including Catch and Release, Try Scoring Race, Raggy Tag, and BulletBall—engaging activities that sparked massive enthusiasm across the nation. Schools responded in full force, with impressive numbers reported from:
Methodist Girls High School, Abia State – 101 girls State Primary School Eneka, Port Harcourt, Rivers State – 26 girls
Afugiwi Memorial Girl School, Abia State – 82 girls Comprehensive High School, Zaria, Kaduna State – 30 girls, The Tend Ril Montessori School, Port Harcourt, Rivers State – 37 girls, Ogida Model School, Benin, Edo State – 47 girls
Government Girls College, Kano State – 32 girls, AKCC Girls, Kano State – 35 girls
Asero Girls College, Abeokuta, Ogun State – 40 girls, Mimshack Academy, Nbawsi Isialangwa North, Abia State – 25 girls
Mabuga Primary School, Bauchi State – 35 girls, Government Girls College Makurdi, Benue State – 28 girls
Rariya Primary School, Bauchi State – 15 girls, University of Ilorin Secondary School, Ilorin, Kwara State – 45 girls
Project supervisor Wuraola Hussein expressed her delight at the overwhelming response:
“I am thrilled with the enthusiasm we’ve seen so far. The reports coming in from across the country are proof of our coaches’ dedication and the kids’ eagerness to learn. Their passion is truly contagious.”
Meanwhile, Federation President Dr. Ademola Are lauded World Rugby for recognizing Nigeria’s potential despite stiff competition from other African nations.
“This endorsement means the world is noticing the efforts we’re making to grow the game. We won’t stop here—we will continue to create an enabling environment for our coaches, referees, and more youth to embrace rugby.”
With such a vibrant start, the NRFF is well on its way to transforming the landscape of girls’ rugby in Nigeria, promising both sporting excellence and lifelong opportunities for thousands of young women.