The new horsemen on the saddle

The Indoor Sports Hall of Package B at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, buzzed with excitement as delegates, stakeholders, and supporters gathered for the NRFF elections — an event many described as a turning point for Nigerian rugby.

Proceedings began promptly at 9 a.m., and the election process ran smoothly under a cordial and transparent atmosphere. When the votes were tallied, Dr. Are was returned unopposed for another four-year term, drawing applause from delegates who hailed his steady leadership and commitment to development.

In his acceptance speech, the re-elected president expressed gratitude to past leaders and promised to focus on grassroots expansion, institutional partnerships, and stronger national competitions.

“This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to the entire rugby family,” Dr. Are said. “We will continue to work together to ensure that rugby claims its rightful place in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.”

He described the new board as “a blend of experience, capacity, and passion,” pledging to build on recent progress in coaching and talent development.

“The next four years will be exciting. We’re taking rugby into the NUGA Games, regional leagues, and para-military competitions. With the support of the National Sports Commission, we’ll deepen grassroots growth and strengthen our national teams,” he added.

Iyorhe Grace emerged as Vice President after defeating Mrs. Chinonye Daphey Aliyu by 11 votes to one, while other board members were drawn from all six geopolitical zones, ensuring broad representation.

The elections, widely hailed as peaceful and transparent, ended with cheers and camaraderie — a reflection of the shared resolve to reposition rugby in Nigeria.

With a renewed mandate and an inclusive leadership team, Nigerian rugby appears set for a fresh chapter of stability, innovation, and nationwide growth.

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The victory, which came against the world’s eighth-ranked side, sealed Nigeria’s place in the final and marked another milestone for the fast-rising African champions, currently ranked 17th globally.

Fedelia Omoghan opened the scoring with a hard-fought try late in the first half, though Shondell Akhabue, playing from Australia, narrowly missed the conversion to leave the score at 4–0.

Despite Ireland’s dominance in possession during the second half, Nigeria’s defense held firm. The turning point came when captain Rachael Illya capitalized on a loose ball 65 yards out, sprinting past the Irish defense to score a stunning solo try. Akhabue made no mistake with her second conversion, extending Nigeria’s lead to 10–0 — a scoreline that stood till the final whistle.

An emotional Akhabue described the moment as deeply personal, reflecting on her mixed heritage and pride in representing Nigeria.

“It means so much to the nation itself. You could just tell by our reaction when that final whistle went,” she said. “I’m Australian-based and half Nigerian, but I didn’t realize how much it would mean until that moment. I just broke down in tears — it was overwhelming.”

Team captain Blessing Aladeyelu hailed the result as a defining achievement for Nigerian women’s rugby.

“There’s emotion everywhere — happiness, pain, fatigue, but victory makes it all worth it,” she said. “Beating Ireland is a big deal. They’ve been playing rugby league for decades, long before it was introduced in Nigeria. This win means everything.”

Aladeyelu also praised the unity of the team, which includes players from Australia, Canada, and the UK.

“It wasn’t hard for us to bond because we had one goal — to make Nigeria proud and put our country’s name on the rugby league map,” she added.

Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Rugby League Association, Ade Adebisi, lauded the team’s progress, describing the victory as a symbol of Nigeria’s growing presence in world rugby.

“We’ve just beaten a rugby nation with 30 to 50 years of experience over us,” Adebisi said. “Our ladies have been playing for only about four years, yet look at what they’ve achieved. With more investment and opportunities, Nigeria can be known globally not just for football, but also for rugby.”

The Green Falcons will now face Fiji in the IRL World Series final after the Pacific side thrashed hosts Canada 48–0 in the second semi-final. However, Nigeria will be without key player Blessing Umude, who suffered an injury against Ireland and has been ruled out of the tournament.

The winner of the final will claim the last available spot for the 2026 International Rugby League Women’s World Cup, scheduled to be held in Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Nigeria’s Green Falcons already hold the title of Middle East and Africa champions, and their latest triumph has further solidified their reputation as one of the fastest-emerging forces in women’s rugby league.

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The Green Falcons will open their campaign on Tuesday, October 21, when they take on Ireland at 3:30 p.m. (local time) at the Terry Fox Stadium in Brampton. Should they win, the Nigerians will face either Fiji or hosts Canada in the semi-final stage.

The final and third-place matches are scheduled for Sunday, October 26, also at Terry Fox Stadium. The championship game will feature the winners of the two opening fixtures.

Nigeria’s qualification for the global series came after their triumph as Middle East and Africa champions. The Falcons defeated Ghana home and away, and overcame Kenya with a win in Lagos and a draw in Nairobi to secure their spot at the global stage.

As part of their preparations, the Green Falcons held a three-week training camp at Alaro City International Rugby Pitch in Lagos, where they played two test matches against the Leopardess of Ghana. They impressed with back-to-back victories, winning the first game 40–0 and the second 24–8 on October 11, demonstrating strong form ahead of the World Series.

The squad features standout players including Success Iyoha, Ukwuoma Endurance, Shondell Akhabue, Innocent Adaeza, Adeola King, Rukayat Akinade, and Fedelia Omoghan, among others. Aminah Oluwabunmi has been listed as the team’s development/injury cover.

The IRL Women’s World Series in Canada represents a major milestone for Nigeria, showcasing the country’s growing presence in global rugby and marking the Green Falcons’ first-ever appearance at a world tournament.

Full Green Falcons Squad:
Success Iyoha; Blessing Funmilayo Aladeyelu (Captain); Ukwuoma Endurance; Umude Blessing; Shondell Akhabue; Innocent Adaeza; Adeola King; Rukayat Akinade; Fedelia Omoghan; Daneyelle Shobanjo; Siobhan Sheerin; Faustina Akeje; Becky Okitikpe; Catherine Akeje; Rachel Iliya; Chinaza Abbah; Vera Pedro; Lauretta Bayere; Abiola Obazuaye and Aminah Oluwabunmi.

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In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele congratulated the athletes for their outstanding performances and dedication to the sport, describing their call-up as further evidence of Edo State’s growing influence in Nigerian rugby.

“I wholeheartedly applaud Abba Chinaza, Precious Ukwuoma, Success Iyoha, Becky Okitikpe, and Vera Akhihero of Team Edo for their dedication and determination to the game of rugby,” Enabulele said.

The players were formally presented to the Commission’s Chairman by the Head Coach of Edo State Rugby Team, Obong Ntiense Williams.

Enabulele hailed their achievement as “a monumental milestone for Edo State and for Nigeria,” urging the athletes to be worthy ambassadors of both the state and the nation as they prepare to compete on the world stage.

He also commended Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for providing the enabling environment that has allowed sports to flourish across the state.

Edo’s women’s rugby team currently holds back-to-back national 7s titles, while the state’s U-15 girls’ side recently clinched gold at the National Youth Games in Asaba, edging Delta State 7–5 in a tense final.

The five Edo players will now join Nigeria’s extended women’s rugby squad, which includes a blend of homegrown stars and international heritage players.

Confirmed among the overseas contingent are Aminah Oluwabunmi (London Broncos, UK), Catherine Akeje (Oran Park Gregory Hills Chargers, Australia), Adeola King (Ottawa Tigers, Canada), Favour Irimagha (Sheffield Eagles, UK), Annique Omodiagbe (Wests Tigers, Australia), and Faustina Akeje, a heritage player currently unattached.

If Nigeria performs successfully at the Canada series, the team will book a historic qualification for the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup in Australia.

Meanwhile, the Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Rugby League Federation, Ade Adebisi, disclosed that two other Nigerian players are already making strides abroad. Rachel Iliya is currently training with Bradford Bulls in the United Kingdom, while Edo-born Blessing Aladeyelu is finalising travel arrangements to join Wakefield Trinity next month.

Adebisi noted that these international breakthroughs underscore the rapid progress of Nigerian women’s rugby and highlight Edo State’s growing reputation as a breeding ground for world-class talent.

“This is a landmark moment for Edo State and Nigeria,” Enabulele remarked, “and we are confident our girls will make us proud on the global stage.”

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He remarked that he was “deeply honoured and humbled” after being appointed captain of the British and Irish Lions.

The 30-year-old Saracens lock becomes the 47th Lions captain since 1888, the first Black player to captain the side, and only the third Englishman in the last 89 years to be appointed tour leader.

“I will do my best to do the role justice. I am very much looking forward to the challenge ahead, it’s going to be a great tour,” he said

“I know the appetite amongst the players is extremely high, everyone is hungry to be a Lion, and I can’t wait to play my role.”

One of the few sure test starters, Itoje will be embarking on his third Lions tour after being selected as the youngest player in New Zealand in 2017 and playing a standout role in South Africa in 2021.

Appointed England captain in place of Jamie George in January, Itoje led his country to second place in this year’s Six Nations Championship with four wins in a row.

The first Englishman to lead the Lions since Martin Johnson 24 years ago, also in Australia, and only the second in the professional era, the London-born son of Nigerian parents was the obvious choice after Ireland captain Caelan Doris suffered a shoulder injury.

Doris was not named in the 38-man squad and is expected to require surgery.

Itoje said he received an unidentified call on his mobile from an Irish number after club training on Tuesday, a bit of a giveaway since Lions head coach Andy Farrell is also the coach of Ireland.

Even though the line was crackling, and he did not have Farrell’s number saved, he recognised the coach’s Wigan accent. Then the line went dead.

“I put the phone down, and then it’s gone, isn’t it? He knows something’s brewing,” laughed Farrell. “So, I rang him back and I went ‘Oh, by the way, would you like to be British and Irish Lions captain?’.

Itoje had dinner in London on Wednesday with some of the past captains, and he said their passion and appreciation shone through.

“It was amazing. It’s a brotherhood, it’s a unique club, and to spend time with them, for them to show the love and care and appreciation that they still have for the Lions. It was absolutely amazing to be a part of that.

“It’s our responsibility now to take it forward and to make sure the Lions continues to be in an elevated position.”

Itoje showed he was captain material from an early age, leading the England Under-20s to Junior World Cup triumph in 2014, even though he became Saracens captain only this season and former coach Eddie Jones had declared him too “inward looking”.

Itoje disagreed with that assessment and has gone on to prove it wrong, while Jones was shown the exit in 2022.

“He has thrived on the England captaincy. He played really well in the Six Nations, but he has played even better for us since then,” Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall told the Guardian this week.

“Maro has absolutely thrived on all of that leadership,” he added. “Maro is very much a leader by what he does and how consistent he is.”

The Lions have a game against Argentina in Dublin on June 20. They will have five tour games before the first test in Brisbane on July 19. The second and third tests are on July 26 and August 2.

-Reuters

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Rugby is one of the 29 sports approved by the organizing committee of the 4th edition of the Edo State Sports Festival.

The disciplines are: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Chess, Cycling, Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Para Athletics, Taekwondo, Tennis, Abula, Ayo, Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Deaf Athletics, Karate, Scrabble, Swimming, Dart, Kung-fu, Kickboxing, Table Tennis, Judo, Football and Rugby.

Rugby was previously excluded but the position has changed to encourage Rugby which is very popular in Edo State.

At the National Sports Festival of 2022 in Edo State, rugby was a scoring event. That was 10 years since its absence after featuring last at the Kada Games in 2009 in Kaduna State.

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It reflects the NRFF’s ambitions for development and growth, addressing societal issues and values.

The collaboration will create development programs and age-appropriate training structures, ensuring junior players can develop their skills and passion for rugby in a fun and safe environment.

Volunteers and players will be actively supported to fully enjoy their time in the sport.

“We aim to help players reach their full potential and remain involved in rugby into adulthood, whether playing for unions or clubs. Delivering this strategy with our clubs, schools, partner organizations, and commercial partners will ensure that rugby in Nigeria continues to thrive,” said Opeoluwa Runsewe, CEO of Flovale.

Runsewe added, “As a corporate partner, Flovale Consulting is committed to driving growth and success both locally and globally. With careful planning and innovative strategies, this partnership is set to elevate rugby, foster financial stability, and achieve significant milestones.”

“We are excited about this partnership with Flovale. Collaborations such as this will foster the development of rugby in Nigeria,” concluded Dr. Ademola Are, NRFF President.

According to Obong Ntiense Williams a head coach, Ehibam Griefshare Foundation will be hosting the tournament at  Edo Boys High School, in Benin City from 10am – 4pm.

The Foundation has over the last five years partnered with the Edo State Rugby Association in the Ehibam Schools Rugby Tournament.

According to the initiator Pastor Dupe Irele, “We had a return to the field after the disruption caused by the Covid 19 pandemic in 2020,  As such, to revive the program.

“The Ehibam Griefshare Foundation decided to help provide the basic Rugby Equipment (Rugby Balls) to kick start the program after the pandemic in 2021 and a subsequent tournament last year”.

Said She, “The Rugby Balls Presentation Ceremony was the Foundation’s way of reassuring the future of the program with its continued support and partnership in its activities going forward. The Ehibam Schools Rugby Program was launched in 2018 to encourage the sport of rugby among the young boys and girls from both primary and secondary schools in Edo State”.

Pastor Dupe continued, “The wind behind the sail of the foundation is Late Ehisieme Alonge who was an ardent Rugby Player in the United Kingdom who spent a lot of time nurturing the young children in the beautiful game of Rugby. To this end we look forward to the Ehibam Schools Rugby Invitational Tournament this year on the actual birthday of Late Ehisieme Alonge who passed on in the United Kingdom at the age of 35, on the 10th June 2015”.

The foundation, with the push of the Edo State Head Coach and workaholic Ntiense Williams popularly know as “Mr Rugby” and his hardworking team of Coaches will this year be organising an invitational 4 female and 4 male teams Championship.

We remain keen in our desire to work closely with the Rugby Association and by extension the Edo State Sports Commission in the development of Rugby as a sports for the social and physical promotion of the welfare of students in Edo State.

The vision of Ehibam Griefshare Foundation is to provide a helping hand to those in grief/mourning and help them to a “New Normal” life.

According to Dupe, “In his lifetime, Ehisieme was an ardent Rugby player and devoted his time to training children in the game. It is in fulfilment and continuation of this passion that the Foundation decided, at the persistence of Mr Ntense Williams “Mr Rugby” an ardent lover of the game, to partner with the Edo State Rugby Association in developing the game of Rugby in Schools”.

The Foundation is therefore proud to be associated with this project in memory of our son Ehisieme.

According the Organiser of the event Ntiense Williams, “This tournament has greatly assisted Edo State to be a National Champion in Youth Games Rugby events and in extension the Open Championship as well, like the recently completed National Women Sevens Rugby Tournament which Edo State Female Team won in grand style and made history as the only team to have played and won all games without conceding a defeat or any point against!”

Said he, “We will like to sincerely thank EHIBAM GRIEFSHARE Foundation for keeping faith with the development of School’s Rugby in Edo State.  There will be two floating trophies for the winning teams of both boys & girls team. There will also be Medals for the best 3 teams in both boys & girls categories and there will be two prizes for the MVP and Highest Try Scorers to celebrate the occasion.”

PREVIOUS WINNERS

* Emotan College & Asoro / Correctional Staff School (LAUNCHING) – 2018

* Emotan College & Correctional Staff School – 2019

* COVID 19 PREVENTED THE TOURNAMENT in 2020

* REVIVED THE PROJECT WITH DONATION OF RUGBY BALLS – 2021

* Idia College & Iyekogba Grammer School – 2022

Here is wishing all of us a great injury free tournament.

The annual three-day Africa Investment Forum Market Days event will commence on Wednesday November 8 to Friday November 10 under the theme “Unlocking Africa’s Value Chain” in Marrakech, Morocco.

Championed by the African Development Bank and seven other founding partners (Africa50, Africa Finance Corporation, Afreximbank, Development Bank of Southern Africa, European Investment Bank, Islamic Development Bank and Trade and Development Bank), the Africa Investment Forum is Africa’s investment marketplace to accelerate transactions to close Africa’s investment gaps.

Founded in 2018, the Africa Investment Forum has mobilized nearly $143 billion in investment interest. The event brings together heads of state, business leaders, decision makers and investors to advance critical investment transactions to closure. Previous attendees include H.E Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, and H.E Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana.

The sports industry in Africa is experiencing rapid growth, with the potential to generate jobs, improve public health, foster social inclusion and drive economic growth. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the industry was valued at $7 billion in 2018 with an expected growth of $12 billion in 2027. Despite the potential, investment across Africa remains limited, with only 1% of startup financing directed towards the sport sector.

Rugby Africa President, Herbert Mensah, continues to emphasize the business potential of rugby across Africa. Since his election, President Mensah has called for a change of mindset from African governments and international organizations to increase investment in rugby across Africa. In June, President Mensah delivered a keynote speech on treating rugby as a lucrative business venture at the Bloomberg New Economy Gateway Africa 2023 event in Marrakech, Morocco.

-insidethegames

Damian Penaud scored a hat-trick, while Jonathan Danty, Charles Ollivon and Louis Bielle-Biarry all scored twice.

Antoine Dupont, Thibaud Flament, Baptiste Couilloud and Melvyn Jaminet also crossed before a penalty try took their total tally to 14 in Marseille.

The only French cause for concern was the loss of Dupont to injury.

The hosts’ captain was withdrawn during the second half following a head-on-head tackle by Johan Deysel, whose yellow card was upgraded to a red by the bunker-review system.

France head coach Fabien Galthie’s decision to keep his talisman on the field despite his side’s huge 54-point half-time advantage could be scrutinised if Dupont’s injury keeps him on the sidelines with the knockout stages looming.

Les Blues, who are top of Pool A with three wins from their opening three games, surpassed their previous biggest winning margin of 87-10 against Namibia in their last home World Cup in 2007 and will face Italy in their next fixture on 6 October in Lyon.

Namibia are rooted to the bottom of the table after suffering three heavy defeats, and face a final pool game against Uruguay on 27 September.

Ruthless France peaking at the right time

A much-changed France side overcame Uruguay without overly exerting themselves in their last game, but the Namibians felt the full force of their wrath here.

Heavyweights Dupont, Penaud and Flament were back in the side and they were quickly into their stride at Stade Velodrome.

Dupont showed all of his class to fire a cross-field kick with his right boot for the prolific Penaud to extend his try-scoring run to six consecutive Tests.

Centre Danty marked his return to the side after injury with the second following some neat work from Bielle-Biarry close to the touchline before Ollivon rounded off a flowing team move.

Penaud added his second moments later with an inside pass from a line-out move off the training field, before Danty doubled his own tally with a powerful finish from close range.

Simple run-ins for Flament and Dupont followed before the diminutive scrum-half turned provider with a perfectly weighted clip off his left boot for Bielle-Biarry to score without breaking stride.

That try handed France a 54-point lead and their biggest ever half-time advantage, but they were far from finished.

Dupont made way holding his face but it would not affect the outcome on the night as his replacement Couilloud crossed unopposed in the corner.

Penaud secured his hat-trick in the same corner before Namibia, who had been toothless in attack, intercepted a loose French pass and threatened to score their opening try, but Jaminet covered the kick through as France recycled the ball and Bielle-Biarry ran it straight back with interest.

An Ollivon dummy for try number 12 was followed by a neat backs’ move for Jaminet to finish off before a final penalty try ended the rout.

France are among the favourites to lift the Webb Ellis Cup next month and will face tougher challenges than the one posed by Namibia, but their ruthless attack sent a real message to the rest of the runners and riders.

-BBC