The game of rugby 7s will make its historic debut as a medal-winning sport at the upcoming Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA), scheduled to take place at the University of Jos, Plateau State.
This marks a significant milestone for rugby, which has become an essential part of the games’ sports programme due to the core values it promotes, including character building, respect, discipline, teamwork, integrity, and sportsmanship.
The sport’s growth has been further fuelled by the participation of Nigeria’s national teams in various international tournaments. In recent years, rugby has witnessed a surge in interest and development, particularly among young athletes and educational institutions.
The inclusion of rugby in the NUGA Games is credited to the relentless efforts of two key figures: Prof. Musa Garba Yakasai, Chairman of the Technical Committee for the NUGA Games, and Prof. Joseph Awoyinfa, Chairman of NUGA Rugby. Both professors worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that rugby not only debuted at the games but also earned its place as a medal-scoring event, further cementing its significance within the Nigerian sports landscape.
Speaking on this groundbreaking development, the President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Dr. Ademola Are, commended the professors for their dedication and vision. He expressed optimism that this inclusion would have a far-reaching impact on the sport’s development in the country, particularly among the youth.
“I am delighted with the tireless efforts of those who made this possible,” Dr. Are stated. “This decision sends a strong message to universities that rugby must become a major part of their sports programmes. It also sets the stage for the inclusion of rugby in future national events, such as the National Sports Festival, where its absence has been keenly felt.”
Dr. Are further emphasised that the debut of rugby at the NUGA Games will serve as a springboard to promote the sport’s growth across Nigerian universities, ensuring that it becomes a staple in youth sports development programmes nationwide.
As preparations for the NUGA Games continue, the inclusion of rugby 7s is expected to bring excitement and a new level of competition to the event, while providing a platform for young talents to showcase their skills on a national stage.
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