Abuja: The President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Ademola Are, has announced that the federation will persist in its efforts to promote the participation of girls in rugby across Nigeria. Are shared this commitment during an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the federation is determined to advance the grassroots development of rugby throughout the country. Are highlighted Rugby Rising Play as World Rugby’s pioneering evidence-based programme designed specifically to introduce teenage girls to the sport. He mentioned that coaches selected from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones will work under the guidance of Wuraola Hussain, a Rugby Africa-certified educator, to drive grassroots development, foster inclusivity, and encourage young girls to engage in rugby.
The federation has appointed 15 national coaches who will champion Rugby Rising Play in Nigeria, a progressive grassroots initiative. This appointment follows the coaches’ successful completion of the T1 Rugby Course, World Rugby’s introductory non-contact rugby programme. Are described the initiative as a significant milestone in the federation’s efforts to expand the sport and promote gender equality in Nigeria.
The appointed coaches and their respective states of assignment include Amarachi Orji for Abia State, Lawrenta Ukponwan for Edo State, Azeez Abimbola for Rivers State, and Opene Awuli for Delta State, among others. These coaches will operate under the supervision of Hussain to ensure effective implementation of the programme.
All coaches have completed a safeguarding course in line with the federation’s regulations. This strategic initiative is designed to nurture the talents and potential of young girls, creating pathways for their involvement and growth in rugby at the national level.