Rugby Among 22 Sports Approved for 27th NUGA Games at UNIJOS

Rugby has been confirmed among the 22 sporting events approved for the 27th Nigeria University Games (NUGA), scheduled to take place at the University of Jos, Plateau State, from November 6 to 16, 2025.

According to the organisers, the approved sports include rugby, tennis, table tennis, athletics, badminton, basketball, chess, cricket, handball, judo, taekwondo, scrabble, swimming, football, volleyball, hockey, boxing, e-sports, rowing and yachting, karate, beach volleyball, and squash.

Reacting to the inclusion of rugby, the President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Dr. Ademola Are, described it as a “welcome development” and a testament to the tireless efforts of stakeholders who have continued to advocate for the sport.

“This is encouraging and the reward for the consistent efforts of those who keep speaking for rugby in the right places. We must continue to project the sport until it gets the recognition it truly deserves,” he said.

In his acceptance speech after being sworn in as President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Dr. Ademola Are reiterated his commitment to working closely with NUGA to ensure that rugby continues to gain ground across Nigerian universities.

“This achievement is part of the result of our continuous collaboration with NUGA to expand the reach of rugby in universities nationwide,” he said.

*NRFF Secretary Commends Stakeholders for Exemplary Conduct During Federation Elections

The Secretary of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Victor Chinedu Osuoha, has commended rugby stakeholders for their exemplary conduct during and after the federation’s election.

Osuoha described their behaviour as “worthy of emulation,” noting that it marks a significant departure from the controversies that had plagued the federation in the past.

“We now have a group of people genuinely committed to growing the game and ensuring that no one truncates the progress achieved under Dr. Ademola Are. The unity and dedication shown by all stakeholders is something to be proud of, and in years to come, we will look back and appreciate their steadfastness,” he said.

He further added that the newly elected board represents a vibrant and forward-thinking leadership team ready to drive Nigerian rugby into a new era of growth and recognition.

Full List of Elected NRFF Board Members:

Dr. Ademola Are – President

Iyorhe Grace – Vice President

Wuraola Hussaini – South West Representative

Onyekachi Ibegbulam – South East Representative

Emmanuel Godwin – South South Representative

Salisu Garba – North East Representative

Aliyu Mohammed – North West Representative

Pius Longman – North Central Representative

Azeez Ladipo – Athletes’ Representative

Angulu Suleiman – Technical Representative

Mrs. Chinonye Daphey Aliyu – Sponsor Representative

Prof. Modupeola Olanrewaju Banjo – AFFAN Representative

Ikhaobomeh Emem Edem – NAWIS Representative.