The Nigeria Rugby League Association (NRLA) has visited Mr. Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, to showcase their achievements, outline future plans, and discuss potential partnerships for rugby league growth throughout Lagos State.

The delegation was led by Chairman Abiodun Olawale Cole, with Vice Chairman Ade Adebisi, Rugby League Director Nosakhare Agwoje, PR Head Okeke Oluwaseyi Chika, and Enitan Obadina, who represented Mozez Praiz, the Strategic Media Director.

Also present were members of the Nigeria Women’s Rugby League Team, including Captain Blessing Funmilayo Aladeyelu, Adaeze Precious Innocent, Akinade Rukayat, Abiola Obazuaye, Bayere Anuoluwa Tolulope, Oseni Muinat, Umude Blessing, Nojimu Shukurat, and the team’s coach, Samson Okeowo.

During the visit, the NRLA presented the new Nigeria Rugby League jersey to Mr. Fatodu. The jersey was designed by renowned Nigerian-American designer Ugo Mozie, whose work continues to influence global pop culture. Ugo recently designed the standout outfit worn by Afrobeats superstar Asake during his sold-out performance at the Barclays Center in New York, where Asake became the first African artist to headline the iconic venue. The collaboration highlights the jersey’s creativity, cultural pride, and international appeal.

Chairman Abiodun Olawale Cole praised the Lagos State Sports Commission for its ongoing support of sports development under Mr. Fatodu’s leadership and shared highlights of the NRLA’s recent milestones, including the women’s team’s historic 10–0 victory over Ireland at the 2025 World Series, marking the first time an African nation has defeated a European side in the competition. The team later advanced to the final, establishing Nigeria as a rising force in international rugby league.

The delegation also submitted a bidding proposal to host the upcoming Middle East Africa (MEA) Championship in Lagos, which would feature six women’s teams and four men’s teams. Hosting the championship would position Lagos as Africa’s leading rugby league hub and demonstrate its capacity to stage world-class sporting events.

Discussions between the NRLA and the Lagos State Sports Commission focused on expanding rugby league development programmes, including: introducing rugby league in schools and universities to establish a grassroots-to-elite talent pathway; developing a structured national league with Lagos as a central hub; and advancing coach education, youth development, and talent identification in line with international standards.

The visit underscores the growing influence of rugby league in Nigeria and highlights Lagos State’s role as a key centre for sports development. Mr. Fatodu commended the NRLA for its achievements and assured the Association of the Commission’s continued support for initiatives that foster youth engagement, cultural pride, and international recognition.

The courtesy visit represents a significant step toward a long-term partnership aimed at strengthening rugby league across Lagos State and Nigeria.