…NUKSA To Honour NRFF President, GM In London
Nigeria’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games received a boost as the Commonwealth Evaluation Bid Committee inspected the proposed site for a rugby stadium, raising optimism about the sport’s future in the country.
The inspection team—comprising Darren Hall, leader of Delegation, Lazilayana Ezera Tsahabangu, and Ann-Louise Morgan—toured several proposed facilities earmarked for the Games, with the rugby field among the key venues assessed.
Dr. Ademola Are, President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), who joined the deelgation expressed optimism that the bid could transform the sport’s fortunes in Nigeria.
He said “Right now, our national rugby team does not have a home ground. If Nigeria wins the hosting rights, a rugby field will have to be built, and that will trigger growth for the game across the country,” .
Are further noted that federal investment in rugby infrastructure would likely inspire states to follow suit, helping to spread the game at grassroots level.
According to him “I am excited about what the future holds for rugby in Nigeria. The potential is vast, and with the right infrastructure in place, we can galvanise development and position the sport among the country’s leading games,”.
The bid inspection marks a significant step in Nigeria’s campaign to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with rugby expected to be one of the cornerstone sports should the country’s bid be successful.
In the meantime, the Nigeria United Kingdom Sports Award (NUKSA) fundraiser and gala will celebrate two key figures in Nigerian rugby—Dr. Ademola Are, President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), and Azeez Ladipo, the Federation’s General Manager.
Dr. Are will be honoured for his remarkable contributions to sports development in Nigeria. A former national hockey player, he rose through the ranks of the National Sports Commission to become Director of Sports, Grassroots Development, where he played a pivotal role in coordinating the National Youth Games and attracting key partners to support youth sports initiatives.
Ladipo, a former captain of the national rugby team, will be recognised as an outstanding rugby ambassador. He has represented Nigeria in numerous international competitions and has been instrumental in advancing rugby’s growth locally and globally. His advocacy for referee and coach development, grassroots expansion, and increased women’s participation has positioned him as a driving force in the sport’s transformation.
Reacting to the recognition, Dr. Are expressed surprise and gratitude: “I am really shocked by this recognition, but I appreciate it. The work I have done over the years, and continue to do, is for the development of sports and the community. This award will motivate me to keep going.”
For his part, Ladipo reiterated his passion for rugby: “Nigeria has what it takes to be ranked alongside South Africa, Namibia, and Kenya. Perhaps this passion is what people have noticed, and I am truly appreciative of this honour.”
The awards gala in London is expected to attract leading figures in Nigerian and international sports.
