In a bid to promote the game of rugby in Nigeria, the British High Commission, in collaboration with SOS Kits, has generously donated rugby kits and balls to the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF). This initiative aims to further develop the sport within the country.
The presentation took place at the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, where the UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, presented the equipment. The donation, which consists of approximately 19 cartons, includes jerseys, T-shirts, and rugby balls.
Lever commended the NRFF for its dedication to advancing rugby in Nigeria. “We are grateful that the Nigeria Rugby Federation reached out to SOS Kits for assistance in obtaining these kits to further develop the game of rugby. SOS Kits is an award-winning UK NGO focused on donating unused sports kits of good quality to underprivileged children and rugby teams worldwide. We are pleased to hear of the remarkable progress made by the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, rising from the 24th ranking position in Africa to 8th within three years, while also promoting women’s participation in the sport. We wish you all the best in your endeavours,” Lever stated.
Alhaji Mohammed Maigidasama, the assistant director of the National Sports Commission, expressed gratitude for the British Commission’s gesture. “We appreciate this generous support for the rugby football federation. With over 40 sporting federations in Nigeria, your assistance to rugby is a significant boost for the sport in the country.” He urged the UK Commission to consider extending similar support to other federations and assured that the kits and balls would be used judiciously to promote the growth of sports.
Azeez Ladipo, the general manager of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, reflected on the journey that began in March 2023 when they applied online to SOS Kits, renowned for helping sports federations enhance their visibility. “We are thrilled to have had our application approved.
We must thank the British High Commission for facilitating the arrival of these kits in Nigeria through diplomatic channels, with no cost to the NRFF,” he said.
Ladipo highlighted the substantial progress rugby has made, particularly under the leadership of Dr Ademola Are, including moving from 24th to 8th in the African rankings. He also noted the launch of the Rugby Rising Play Programme, aimed at engaging teenage girls aged 10 to 18 across 15 states. Furthermore, the appointment of a foreign national coach, Steve Lewis, who previously won ‘Coach of the Year’ in the USA, signifies a commitment to elevate the sport. “We have also successfully revived women’s rugby and have been readmitted to the National Institute of Sports,” Ladipo added.
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