BY OGUNSAKIN SHERIFAT OMOTOLANI
In a significant development for the sporting community in Nigeria, rugby has officially been readmitted into the 2024 National Sports Festival, themed “Gateway Games”, scheduled to take place in Ogun State from May 16th to 30th, 2025.
This decision comes following the approval of the Joint Technical Committee for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, who unanimously agreed on the inclusion of rugby after thorough evaluation.
The committee cited the game’s rising popularity, increased grassroots participation, and growing national followership as key factors behind this reinstatement.
Speaking on this exciting milestone, the President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Dr. Ademola Are, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Director General of the National Sports Commission and Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Chief Bukola Olopade, as well as the Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development in Ogun State, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, and the entire Joint Technical Committee. He commended their vision, commitment, and readiness to support the evolution and diversification of sports in Nigeria.
According to Dr. Are, the return of rugby to the festival is not just a win for the sport, but a golden opportunity for talent discovery and national team development. “With this development, Nigerians can once again experience the thrill of top-level rugby at the festival. More importantly, national team selectors will be present at the games to scout for promising talents as we prepare for the prestigious Africa Cup Sevens, scheduled to hold in Mauritius from June 18th to 23rd, 2025,” he stated.
The readmittance of rugby into the festival’s roster is expected to bring renewed excitement to rugby fans and stakeholders across the country. It marks a promising step forward in the sport’s growth trajectory and underscores the National Sports Festival’s role as a catalyst for talent discovery and sports development in Nigeria.
With Ogun State set to host the festival, all eyes are now on the Gateway State as preparations intensify for what promises to be a thrilling, inclusive, and talent-packed edition of Nigeria’s foremost multi-sport event.
