Nigeria’s ambition to establish itself among the leading nations in international rugby is gathering momentum, with Nigeria Rugby League Association (NRLA) vice-chairman and general manager, Ade Adebisi, outlining plans to take the sport to a new level.
Adebisi believes Nigeria can build towards competing on rugby’s biggest stage, but insists that improvements in administration, grassroots development and professional standards will be essential to achieving that ambition.
His comments follow the selection of Nigerian officials for the International Rugby League’s 2026 World Cup operations programme in Australia, where they are expected to gain valuable experience in the organisation and management of a major international tournament.
The initiative, known as the Accelerator Nation programme, is designed to help developing rugby nations strengthen their structures by learning from established international competitions.
Nigeria reportedly emerged ahead of four other applicants from the Middle East and Africa during the selection process conducted by the International Rugby League’s Strategy Committee.
Adebisi said the opportunity would help Nigerian rugby administrators improve their expertise and introduce better systems for developing players, coaches and match officials.
He stressed that while Nigerian players had demonstrated their ability to compete internationally, the country’s administrative structures must improve to sustain that progress.
NIGERIA’S RUGBY DREAM GROWS AS ADEBISI SETS SIGHTS ON WORLD CUP
Nigeria’s ambition to establish itself among the leading nations in international rugby is gathering momentum, with Nigeria Rugby League Association (NRLA) vice-chairman and general manager, Ade Adebisi, outlining plans to take the sport to a new level.
Adebisi believes Nigeria can build towards competing on rugby’s biggest stage, but insists that improvements in administration, grassroots development and professional standards will be essential to achieving that ambition.
His comments follow the selection of Nigerian officials for the International Rugby League’s 2026 World Cup operations programme in Australia, where they are expected to gain valuable experience in the organisation and management of a major international tournament.
The initiative, known as the Accelerator Nation programme, is designed to help developing rugby nations strengthen their structures by learning from established international competitions.
Nigeria reportedly emerged ahead of four other applicants from the Middle East and Africa during the selection process conducted by the International Rugby League’s Strategy Committee.
Adebisi said the opportunity would help Nigerian rugby administrators improve their expertise and introduce better systems for developing players, coaches and match officials.
He stressed that while Nigerian players had demonstrated their ability to compete internationally, the country’s administrative structures must improve to sustain that progress.
“Our players have already shown they can compete internationally, and now our administration needs to match that standard,” he said.
The NRLA general manager added that lessons from the programme would be used to strengthen governance, improve professionalism and create a more sustainable foundation for rugby league in Nigeria.
SCHOOLS AND WOMEN’S RUGBY AMONG PRIORITIES
Adebisi also highlighted plans to expand rugby league in schools and universities while strengthening the country’s men’s and women’s national teams.
He said improving coaching and officiating standards would be crucial to raising the quality of domestic competitions and preparing Nigerian athletes for international challenges.
The rugby administrator further advocated for the Middle East and Africa Championship to become an annual competition for both men’s and women’s teams, with tournaments conducted in line with International Rugby League standards.
He also acknowledged the support of Alaro City, describing the partnership as important to the long-term development of the sport in Nigeria.
Looking ahead, the association hopes to position Nigeria to host the Women’s Rugby League World Cup in the future. Achieving that ambition would require investment in facilities, stronger domestic competitions and continued growth in participation.
Adebisi’s vision reflects a broader effort to build a stronger rugby culture in Nigeria, with improved administration and grassroots participation expected to play key roles in the country’s pursuit of international recognition.
“Our players have already shown they can compete internationally, and now our administration needs to match that standard,” he said.
The NRLA general manager added that lessons from the programme would be used to strengthen governance, improve professionalism and create a more sustainable foundation for rugby league in Nigeria.
SCHOOLS AND WOMEN’S RUGBY AMONG PRIORITIES
Adebisi also highlighted plans to expand rugby league in schools and universities while strengthening the country’s men’s and women’s national teams.
He said improving coaching and officiating standards would be crucial to raising the quality of domestic competitions and preparing Nigerian athletes for international challenges.
The rugby administrator further advocated for the Middle East and Africa Championship to become an annual competition for both men’s and women’s teams, with tournaments conducted in line with International Rugby League standards.
He also acknowledged the support of Alaro City, describing the partnership as important to the long-term development of the sport in Nigeria.
Looking ahead, the association hopes to position Nigeria to host the Women’s Rugby League World Cup in the future. Achieving that ambition would require investment in facilities, stronger domestic competitions and continued growth in participation.
Adebisi’s vision reflects a broader effort to build a stronger rugby culture in Nigeria, with improved administration and grassroots participation expected to play key roles in the country’s pursuit of international recognition.
