Dr. Ademola Are re-elected as NRFF President during a transparent congress at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
The Indoor Sports Hall of Package B at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, came alive on Saturday as the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) conducted its highly anticipated elective congress.
Delegates, stakeholders, and rugby enthusiasts gathered to witness a transparent and peaceful election that reaffirmed Dr. Ademola Are’s leadership, as he was re-elected unopposed to lead the Federation for another four-year term.
Dr. Are, who secured all 13 delegate votes, pledged to build on previous achievements and drive grassroots development, inclusivity, and innovation in Nigerian rugby.
In the vice-presidential contest, Iyorhe Grace emerged victorious with 11 votes, defeating Mrs. Chinonye Daphey Aliyu, who scored one vote.
Commitment to Growth and Inclusivity
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Are expressed appreciation to past presidents, board members, and rugby stakeholders for their contributions to the sport’s development.
“We’ve come to understand that development is the foundation of progress,” Dr. Are said. “We’ve invested heavily in coaching programs and plan to do more. We’re also working to introduce rugby into the NUGA Games, strengthen the national rugby league, and launch the Sevens Circuit. Discussions with potential sponsors are ongoing to sustain our projects.”
READ ALSO: https://newsscopeafrica.com/2025/10/26/nigeria-aquatic-federation-inaugurates-new-board/
He described the newly elected board as “a blend of experience, capacity, and passion”, emphasizing that the next four years will focus on sustainable structures, youth empowerment, and regional expansion.
Strategic Focus Areas
Dr. Are announced plans to:
- Organize para-military rugby competitions.
- Expand youth participation nationwide.
- Promote gender inclusion in rugby administration and coaching.
The NRFF’s renewed direction underscores its commitment to broad-based talent development, aiming to position Nigeria as a leading rugby nation in Africa.
Newly Elected NRFF Board Members
- Dr. Ademola Are – President
- Iyorhe Grace – Vice President
- Wuraola Hussaini – South West Representative
- Onyekachi Ibegbulam – South East Representative
- Emmanuel Godwin – South South Representative
- Salisu Garba – North East Representative
- Aliyu Mohammed – North West Representative
- Pius Longman – North Central Representative
- Azeez Ladipo – Athletes’ Representative
- Angulu Suleiman – Technical Representative
- Mrs. Chinonye Daphey Aliyu – Sponsor Representative
- Prof. Modupeola Olanrewaju Banjo – AFFAN Representative
- Ikhaobomeh Emem Edem – NAWIS Representative
Outlook
With this renewed leadership, the NRFF is set to usher in a new era of inclusivity, youth development, and sustainable growth for rugby in Nigeria.
Dr. Are’s continuity promises structural reforms, international partnerships, and a stronger domestic league that could redefine Nigeria’s place in African rugby.
About the Author
