Nigeria Rugby League Association (NRLA) has showered encomium on TheGuardian for its pivotal role in the country’s sports development following its recent partnership with the association.

Director for Public Relations and Marketing, Okeke Oluwaseyi Chika lauded the media giants for partnering with the Nigeria Rugby League Association (NRLA) in its quest to give the sports the much-needed mileage in the country.

He described TheGuardian role as magnanimous, stressing that the publicity enjoyed by the sports will go a long way to help chart a new course for rugby among Nigerians.

Chika admitted that although football remains the No.1 sport, Nigeria’s success story that saw its women qualify for the World Series will help its development in the country.

”On behalf of the Nigeria Rugby League Association (NRLA), I want to say a special thanks to TheGuardian for their support towards the association in our quest to develop the sports in Nigeria.

”Yes we know football remains the country’s No.1 sport, but rugby is coming to take its place among Nigeria sports given the mileage its currently enjoying. TheGuardian has been a great partner as far as sports development is concerned. We appreciate the mileage rugby is getting because that is what we need as we plan to introduce the sports in schools,” he said.

Chika appealed to Nigerians to rally behind the women’s national team as they prepare to face the world later this year saying: The time has come for Nigerians to identify with rugby as our women prepare to face the world this year. They need our support, let us rally behind them.

Nigeria will be engaging the French women rugby national team in a friendly as part of their preparations for the World Series.