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Enugu, Ekiti, Oyo and Others Join Rugby Rising Initiative

Posted : 24 January 2026

Enugu, Ekiti and Kaduna states have emerged as the latest to adopt the Rugby Rising Initiative, a grassroots development programme implemented in collaboration with World Rugby, Rugby Africa and the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF).

Other states that have joined the project include Oyo and Gombe. Enugu, the capital of the former Eastern Region; Ekiti, known for its strong emphasis on education, particularly for the girl child; Kaduna, recognised for its ethnic diversity; Oyo, the economic hub of the old Western Region; and Gombe, often described as the jewel of the savannah for its cultural heritage, agricultural strength and mineral resources, are all now part of the growing initiative.

The Rugby Rising programme is aimed at increasing female participation in sports, with World Rugby setting a nationwide target of 3,000 girls to be reached through the NRFF.

The project has so far expanded to about 20 states, including Abuja, Kwara, Enugu, Abia, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Delta, Edo, Kogi, Kano, Bauchi, Kaduna, Gombe, Anambra, Benue and Plateau states.

In Nigeria, the initiative is overseen by Wuraola Hussaini, who was appointed by the NRFF based on her extensive experience in rugby and certifications obtained from World Rugby.

The programme officially began in November 2025 with a Train-the-Trainer coaching workshop in Abuja, where coaches from across the country received practical training and certification to roll out the project in their respective states.

Speaking on the progress recorded so far, Hussaini commended the dedication of the coaches and the impressive response from participants. She expressed confidence that the initiative would meet and possibly exceed the target set by World Rugby, noting that girls, particularly in rural communities, have embraced the programme with enthusiasm, using rugby as a platform to showcase their energy and potential.

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