By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Abeokuta is set to host a landmark rugby development initiative as preparations reach an advanced stage for the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) coaching and medical course, with an overwhelming number of participants already showing interest.
The two-day programme, scheduled for April 23–24, 2026, at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, is being organised in collaboration with Ogun State, World Rugby, and Rugby Africa. It is designed to equip aspiring coaches and medical personnel with essential foundational skills needed to actively contribute to the growth and safety of rugby union in Nigeria.
The course forms part of the NRFF’s strategic drive to broaden the sport’s reach while creating structured pathways for individuals to build careers within rugby. By combining coaching education with medical training, the initiative seeks to raise professional standards, strengthen player welfare, and nurture a new generation of rugby stakeholders.
NRFF General Manager, Azeez Ladipo, underscored the federation’s commitment to capacity development, noting that the programme presents a unique opportunity for young Nigerians to gain valuable, multi-dimensional skills.
“We are committed to creating opportunities for young people to be empowered across different areas of sports. Beyond being medical personnel, participants can also acquire coaching knowledge, making it easier for them to impact their communities,” Ladipo said.
He also commended the Ogun State Government for its support, expressing optimism that more states would replicate such initiatives to further deepen rugby development across the country.
With growing enthusiasm and strong institutional backing, the Abeokuta course is poised to mark another significant step in the NRFF’s mission to build a sustainable and inclusive rugby ecosystem in Nigeria.
