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Nigeria meets Morocco as MEA Championship ends today

Nigeria is set to tango with Morocco in the final of the maiden Middle East Africa (MEA) Rugby League championship today at the cricket oval of the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

The Nigerian team featuring in the maiden Middle East Africa (MEA) Rugby League Championship, which will end today at the Cricket Oval of the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos<br />

Nigeria is set to tango with Morocco in the final of the maiden Middle East Africa (MEA) Rugby League championship today at the cricket oval of the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

The match will kick off by 4.00 p.m., but fans are expected to be at the venue before the game to be part of the fun lined as part of the programme.

To qualify for the final, Nigeria defeated archrivals, Ghana by 23-10, while Morocco saw off Cameron in their last game.

Before the final game, which is expected to attract all rugby football lovers from across Nigeria and the West Africa region, Ghana will play Cameroun in the bronze match at the same venue.

Speaking on the competition, which is being broadcast by Yanga TV and DSTV, an official of the Nigeria Rugby League Association (NRLA), Michael Ogunbiyi expressed his delight at the massive turn out of fans at the matches of the league, adding, “we have had positive results.
 
“We thank Sickle scan and Euracare for providing invaluable services (BP, Blood Sugars and genotype tests and scans). Rite food also set the bar with a variety of products wishing their range of drinks. Yanga TV and DSTV also provided support with their coverage of the event today.

“Support from both the International and European Rugby League federations was invaluable on pulling this off.”

He disclosed that “Jermaine Sanwo-Olu (SS to Governor on Diaspora) also provided support with logistics at the airport and where possible. We are truly grateful.”

He thanked Eticketsolutions, Guardian Group and Federal Palace Hotel for offering “substantial support for NRLA over the last few months.”

Ogunbiyi revealed that the NRLA in its bid to grow rugby as a choice sport in Nigeria has conducted various training courses in conjunction with IDP, World Cup 2021 team and European federation.

He added that the federation would visit Toyibat School with the Rugby World Cup and also conduct training sessions with the kids in rugby and staff, who will, in turn, become coaches and referees.

“History is in the making here. Never has the trophy of any World Cup been in Nigeria, let alone Africa (on tour). Never had there been a rugby IDP programme on the continent.

“We are Nigeria and we are making history in the world of sports, specifically and look forward to taking things to greater heights as we establish ourselves in the world of Rugby League, which is truly a game for all,” he enthused.
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