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THE Nigeria Rugby Football Federation says poor funding, weak infrastructure, and low awareness still hinder grassroots rugby development across Nigeria.<\/p>\n Its General Manager, Azeez Ladipo, said this on Tuesday in Lagos during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria NAN.<\/p>\n He said many schools and local clubs lacked quality playing fields, rugby balls, kits, and other essential training equipment.<\/p>\n \u201cIn many places, young people are interested in rugby, but there are no proper facilities to support them. This makes development very difficult,\u201d Ladipo added.<\/p>\n He said many children interested in rugby also lacked\u00a0safe spaces to play or train regularly.<\/p>\n \u201cFunding remains one of our biggest challenges because grassroots development does not produce immediate results.<\/p>\n \u201cGrassroots development is a long-term investment, but commitment will eventually deliver success,\u201d Ladipo said.<\/p>\n He said building players from beginner to professional level requires patience, time, and sustained financial investment.<\/p>\n \u201cMany programmes begin with energy and excitement, but without funding, they stop halfway.<\/p>\n \u201cThat remains one of our biggest concerns,\u201d Ladipo added.<\/p>\n He noted rugby awareness remains low compared with football and basketball across Nigeria.<\/p>\n \u201cRugby is still new to many Nigerians, and some have never watched a match before.<\/p>\n \u201cThey do not fully understand the game,\u201d Ladipo added.<\/p>\n He said many young Nigerians, especially in rural communities and public schools, have never seen or played rugby.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause of low awareness, we are losing talented children who need early exposure,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n According to him, introducing rugby early helps children develop skills, confidence, and understanding of the game.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want to catch them young, because early starters grow better with the sport,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He said the federation was reintroducing rugby in schools through awareness campaigns and training programmes.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are engaging students and teachers, while making rugby simple and enjoyable to learn,\u201d Ladipo said.<\/p>\n He stressed the need to train more coaches and referees across the country.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cCoaches play a key role in development, and good coaches produce better players.<\/p>\n \u201cReferees maintain discipline and fairness, and competitions cannot run smoothly without them.\u201d<\/p>\n He described competitions as essential for player development and experience.<\/p>\n \u201cPlayers improve faster through matches, while competition strengthens teamwork and confidence,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n In spite of the challenges, Ladipo said rugby had recorded steady progress in recent years.<\/p>\n \u201cMore states are getting involved, and more young people are showing interest,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He added that more competitions were being organised, with corporate organisations also showing interest.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is increasing sponsor interest, and that is encouraging for rugby\u2019s future,\u201d Ladipo said.<\/p>\n He said the federation had introduced T1 rugby in about 20 states. \u201cThis version is safer and easier for beginners, especially young girls entering the sport,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n According to him, the programme has engaged more than 6,700 girls aged 10 to 18. \u201cIt promotes inclusion and creates equal opportunities in sport,\u201d Ladipo said.<\/p>\n He said non-contact rugby helps beginners learn the sport without fear of injury.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce they master the basics, they can progress to full-contact rugby,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe federation now has locally trained educators certified by World Rugby.<\/p>\n \u201cWith our educators, we can train people nationwide without depending entirely on external support,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He expressed optimism about rugby\u2019s future in Nigeria. \u201cWith proper investment, better facilities, and wider awareness, rugby can become one of Nigeria\u2019s leading sports,\u201d he said. NAN<\/p>\n A. A<\/p>\n MAY.12, 2026\u00a0<\/p>\n Tags: Azeez Ladipo<\/a> facilities stall grassroots rugby growth<\/a> Federation says funding<\/a> General Manager<\/a><\/p>\n \n\t\tPost navigation<\/p>\n
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