By: Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Newly elected members of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) board, Azeez Ladipo and Angulu Sulaiman, have pledged to focus on welfare, grassroots development, and coaching advancement as the sport seeks fresh momentum in the country.
Ladipo, who emerged as Athletes’ Representative with 16 votes, emphasized that player welfare would be his top priority during his four-year tenure. He highlighted medical safety, insurance, and proper bonuses as critical issues that must be addressed.
The first thing to concentrate on is welfare,” Ladipo said after his election. “We have to look at issues of insurance, medical support, concussion management, and ensuring ambulances are present at every rugby match. Players representing Nigeria must also enjoy proper bonuses and support.
The former Lagos Rugby Club standout also underscored the importance of structured development pathways for young players.
We need to put in place a pathway system — Under-14, Under-16, Under-19, Under-20 — to prepare the next generation. There’s no reason Nigeria shouldn’t be competing in the Africa Under-20 Barthés Cup,” he explained. “Regional competitions against Ghana, Togo, and others will help us grow the game. I’ll continue to advocate for grassroots investment, especially through schools and community rugby, because if you catch them young, the results are lasting.
Sulaiman, who secured the Technical Representative seat with an emphatic 28–1 victory after his opponent, Ntiesse Williams, stepped down, dedicated his success to the wider rugby community.
This victory is not mine alone. It belongs to all stakeholders, coaches, and board members. Even my opponent is my mentor in rugby; his decision to step down shows the spirit of family we share,” Sulaiman said. “My mission is to elevate the status of rugby and, in particular, to improve the position of coaches in the country.
NRFF President Ademola Are, who supervised the polls, praised the unity and sportsmanship demonstrated during the elections.
There was no tension or fear. Everyone came together to put aside personal ambition for the growth of rugby. This is the kind of unity we need for consolidation in the next four years,” Are stated.
The NRFF president further outlined key priorities for his tenure, including expanding grassroots rugby through school sports, launching the second phase of the Rugby Rising initiative, and increasing female participation.
If you don’t catch them young, you can’t catch them when they’re old. Schools remain the foundation, and with Rugby Rising part two set to kick off in two weeks, we are ready to roll. What we need now is more sponsorship support, because without funding, success will be limited,” Are added.
With Ladipo and Sulaiman taking up their new roles, stakeholders say Nigerian rugby is well-placed to strengthen its foundation, deepen grassroots appeal, and position itself competitively on the continental stage.
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