The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has unveiled its comprehensive 2026 calendar of activities, outlining an expansive domestic structure and a renewed drive to reposition women’s rugby on the continental stage.
The roadmap focuses on grassroots growth, youth development, high-performance pathways, and stronger international competitiveness in both the 7s and 15s formats.
Expanded Domestic Competitions
The 2026 season will feature one of the federation’s broadest domestic frameworks in recent years, including:
A National 7s Circuit (Men’s & Women’s) across host states such as Kano, Lagos, Delta, and Edo.
A six-zone National 15s League (North, South West, South East, South South), culminating in national finals in Abuja.
Youth tournaments including Get Into Rugby 2.0 (U13 & U18) and Rugby 7s at the National Youth Games (U15).
Community and school competitions such as the Golden 7s Schools Tournament and National Open 7s (U18).
International exposure through the Africa Cup 7s (Men) in Mauritius and other invitational fixtures.
According to the federation, the structure is designed to increase match exposure, strengthen talent identification, and ensure nationwide participation.
Women’s Rugby Back on the Continental Path
A major highlight of the 2026 agenda is the revitalisation of Nigeria’s Women’s Rugby programme.
The NRFF has submitted a bid to host the Africa Cup Women’s 7s Regional Qualifier in Lagos/Ogun. Hosting the tournament would restore Nigeria’s women’s team to the continental rankings and provide a pathway to the Africa Women’s Cup 7s.
The federation is also exploring participation in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Division 1 (15s) in Tunisia — a potential route toward qualification for Africa’s elite women’s rugby competition.
Officials say the dual 7s and 15s strategy is aimed at building a sustainable and competitive women’s programme.
Capacity Building and Governance
The 2026 calendar also includes World Rugby-accredited courses for coaches, medical personnel, match officials, and strength and conditioning professionals, alongside anti-doping education and structured school engagement initiatives.
International Outlook
Nigeria is set to compete in the Africa Cup 7s (Men’s), pursue international test opportunities, and strengthen regional collaboration through the West Africa Rugby Series under Rugby Africa structures.
Describing the season as pivotal, the federation stated:
“Our domestic competitions are stronger, our women’s programme has a clear continental pathway, and our youth initiatives continue to expand. We are building a sustainable rugby ecosystem for Nigeria’s future.”
The NRFF says the 2026 calendar represents a strategic blueprint for performance growth, women’s empowerment, and Nigeria’s sustained resurgence in African rugby.