The President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Dr Ademola Are, has commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its proactive support for national teams preparing to represent Nigeria at international competitions.
Are spoke on the sidelines of the ongoing World Rugby Level 1 and 2 medical, coaching and match officiating course in Abuja, where he praised NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director-General, Bukola Olopade, for creating what he described as an enabling environment for sports federations to thrive. He particularly acknowledged the Commission’s support for national teams across different sports, stressing that the approach has boosted preparations for international competitions.
The NRFF President said the Stallions are currently preparing for the World Rugby Sevens 3 competition in Uganda and have received the necessary backing from the NSC to put the team in the best possible shape. “We are preparing for the World Rugby Sevens 3 in Uganda, and we have received the needed support from the National Sports Commission for our preparation. It has never been this good,” Are said.
He added that Olopade had, upon assuming office, promised to support all sports federations and was already living up to that commitment. “The Director-General, on assumption of office, promised to give support to all federations, and he is living up to that promise. We hope to make the country proud in Uganda,” he said.
While acknowledging the quality of opposition awaiting Nigeria, Are expressed confidence that the Stallions can defy expectations and secure a place on the global stage. “We know it is going to be tough, but we have a very good chance of punching above our weight and picking the World Rugby Sevens 3 ticket,” he added.
In Uganda, the Stallions will battle hosts Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana, Tunisia, Morocco and Senegal for the coveted qualification ticket. The tournament will also serve as the opening leg of the 2026 Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens Series, with the winner earning qualification for the World Rugby SVNS 3 2027 competition.
