NRFF Unveils Final 28-Man Squad For Africa Cup, Appoints Adeluola As COO

The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has announced the final 28-man roster for the 2024 Africa Cup scheduled to take place in Tunisia from December 16 to 23, 2024.

Nigeria will compete in Pool A, alongside host Tunisia, Ghana and Zambia. The top team from the Pool will proceed to a decisive match against the winner of Pool B, Morocco who won qualifiers held last month. The winner of this clash will be crowned the Rugby Africa Cup Repechage 2024 Champion and will earn a spot in the prestigious 2025 Rugby Africa Cup.

The Nigeria’s final 28-man squad are:

Forwards: Oghenetejiri Ajuchi (Prop) – Barnes Rfc – UK; Ford Oladele Ayodele (Prop)- Richmond RFC – UK;Taiwo Olagunju (Prop) – Dallas Men’s Rugby; Quadri Kolawole (Prop) – Cowrie Rfc; Sunday Bassey (Prop) – Cowrie Rfc; Iyintosofoluwa Kolawole (Prop/Lock)- Racing Rfc; Ibrahim Suraj (Hooker) – Barewa Rfc; Julius Godwin (Hooker) – Barewa Rfc; Babajide Adekunle Tunde (Lock) – Southend Saxons Rfc; Arinze Okemuo (Lock) – RUMS Rfc; Blaise Felix (Backrow) – Alberton Rugby Club; Akeem Yusuf (Backrow) – Cowrie Rfc; Frederick Henry-Ajudua (Backrow) – ATL OLD White Rfc; Oluwadara Odunlami (Backrow) – IBC; Liberty Enowa (Backrow) – Delta State Rugby and Williams Tyover Malu (Backrow) – Nigeria Police Rugby.

Backs: Anthony Tuoyo Egodo (Center) – Birmingham Moseley; Jamiu Mohammed Ibrahim (Scrumhalf) – Kwara Dynamite Rfc; Alex Onyeahasi (Flyhalf) – Clifton; Isa Omale (Scruhalf) – Barewa Rfc; Jonathan Ilori (Center) – Esher Rfc; Isaiah Akpovwa (Wing/Fullback) – Blackheath Rfc; Christian Williams Friday (Fullback) – Barewa Rfc; Monday Omorogieva (Fullback/Scrumhalf) – Racing Rfc; Stephen Kiki Suru (Center) – Eco II Rfc; Aliu Auwal (Wing/Fullback) – Edo State Rugby; Samuel Akpabio (Winger) – Barewa Rfc and Matthew Ilube (Flyhalf) – Old Priorians Rfc.

Meanwhile, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the vision of the new leadership of the National Sports Commission, which emphasizes adherence to global best practices, the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has proactively announced the appointment of Babatunde Adeluola as its Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Babatunde is a distinguished graduate of the University of Ibadan, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. His professional journey is marked by a wealth of experience in the banking sector, having served in leadership roles at United Bank for Africa (UBA), Ecobank, and Polaris Bank. After an illustrious banking career, he decided to pivot towards his passion for sports in 2022, becoming a financial consultant for several international sporting events and initiatives.

This transition highlights Babatunde’s deep understanding of financial systems and his dedication to leveraging his expertise to enhance sports management and development in Nigeria. His appointment is expected to bring a transformative edge to rugby administration in the country.

Speaking on his new role, Babatunde expressed his commitment to fostering the growth of rugby in Nigeria. “Rugby is a sport with immense potential in Nigeria, and the recent international successes of our teams are proof of what can be achieved with the right strategies. My goal is to build on this momentum and ensure rugby in Nigeria achieves the recognition it deserves on the global stage.”

The NRFF is confident that Babatunde’s strategic insight, financial acumen, and passion for sports will strengthen the federation’s operations. His appointment comes at a critical time, as Nigeria’s rugby community has seen notable advancements, including improved performances in international competitions and increased participation at grassroots levels.

Under his leadership, the NRFF aims to enhance the game’s structure, attract more corporate sponsorships, and ensure the sport reaches every corner of the country. Babatunde’s focus will also be on nurturing talent development programs and positioning Nigeria as a formidable force in African rugby.

With rugby gaining international acclaim and growing rapidly in popularity, Babatunde Adeluola’s appointment is a testament to the NRFF’s commitment to professionalism, innovation, and excellence. His expertise is expected to pave the way for even greater achievements, both on and off the pitch