By Grace Ekujumi
President of the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation, NRFF, Dr Ademola Are has confirmed that Rugby will make a return at the next National Sports Festival slated for Enugu come 2026.
Speaking to journalists in Abeokuta, Are said his Federation is working strategically to develop ways to prevent the situations that led to Rugby’s exclusion from the current festival in Ogun State from repeating itself .
Dr Are further explained that Rubby was initially included in the list of sports for the festival but was removed due to disagreements from certain groups.
Expressing his disappointment over the dismissal, Dr Are noted that the Federation is committed to making sure come the 23rd National Sports Festival billed for Enugu State, Rugby will be included in the events as the sport is gaining popularity among Nigerian youths.
Dr Are,who is also part of the organising committee for the ongoing Gateway Games 2024, showered praises on the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for the excellent infrastructure provided for the event stating that the facilities will enhance athletes performance.
The 22nd National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games will run from 16th May to 30th May, 2025.
