The President of the Nigeria Rugby Federation (NRF), Sunny Are, has assured that rugby will make a comeback at the next National Sports Festival (NSF) scheduled for 2026 in Enugu State.
In an interview with sports journalists in Abeokuta, Are said, “We are already working out modalities to ensure that what caused the organizers not to include it in the Ogun 2024 NSC does not repeat itself.”
He explained that rugby was initially listed among the sports to be contested at the games but was delisted due to discordant views from some quarters. Although the exclusion was unwelcome, the NRF is working towards reinstating the sport in the schedule for the Enugu National Sports Festival.
Are emphasized that rugby is gaining popularity among Nigerian youths, making its exclusion from subsequent National Sports festivals disheartening. He praised the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, for providing quality sports infrastructure for the National Sports Festival, stating that the facilities would enhance athlete performance.
“The facilities, which conform with the aspirations of the National Sports Commission, will reinvigorate the nation’s sports industry,” he said.
Are urged other states to emulate Ogun State’s example by providing similar facilities.
