Determined not to leave any talent untapped no matter where it is hidden, the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has started a programme aimed at revolutionising the sport through scouting for girls with the right skills to excel in the sport.
Tagged Rugby Rising Play (TI Rugby), the NRFF has kicked off the inaugural phase of the programme in schools nationwide to get at least 3000 girls into the sport.
The first week’s training sessions involved dynamic drills including Catch and Release, Try Scoring Race, Raggy Tag, and BulletBall. These engaging activities have sparked massive enthusiasm across the nation, with many schools embracing it in full force.
Among the pioneers schools are Methodist Girls High School, Abia State, which featured 101 girls; State Primary School, Eneka, Port Harcourt, Rivers State (26 girls); Afugiri Memorial Girls School, Abia State (82 girls); Comprehensive High School, Zaria, Kaduna State (30 girls); The Tend Ril Montessori School, Port Harcourt, Rivers State (37 girls), and Ogida Model School, Benin, Edo State (47 girls).
Other schools in the programme are Government Girls College, Kano State (32 girls); AKCC Girls, Kano State (35 girls); Asero Girls College, Abeokuta, Ogun State (40 girls); Mimshack Academy, Nbawsi Isialangwa North, Abia State (25 girls); Mabuga Primary School, Bauchi State (35 girls); Government Girls College Makurdi, Benue State (28 girls); Rariya Primary School, Bauchi State (15 girls); and University of Ilorin Secondary School, Ilorin, Kwara State (45 girls).
Speaking on the programme, Project Supervisor, Wuraola Hussein, expressed her delight at the overwhelming response. She said: “I am thrilled with the enthusiasm we’ve seen so far.”
The reports coming in from across the country are proof of our coaches’ dedication and the kids’ eagerness to learn. Their passion is truly contagious.” Meanwhile, NRFF President, Dr Ademola Are, has lauded World Rugby for recognising Nigeria’s potential despite stiff competition from other African nations.
“This endorsement means the world is noticing the efforts we’re making to grow the game. We won’t stop here—we will continue to create an enabling environment for our coaches, referees, and more youth to embrace rugby.”
