June 26, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has taken a significant step towards expanding rugby’s reach in Nigeria and beyond. Recognising the country’s vast rugby potential, the NRFF has formed a partnership with Flovale, a business consulting and investment strategy firm.
Opeoluwa Runsewe, CEO of Flovale, hailed the partnership as a crucial milestone for elevating Nigerian rugby. He emphasised its importance not only for rugby but for Nigerian sports as a whole. “This partnership embodies the power of dreams and exemplifies the commitment of the NRFF, the country, and the broader community,” Mr Runsewe said. The collaboration will focus on endorsements, corporate sponsorships, and innovative strategies to propel Nigerian rugby forward and maximise its commercial potential.
NRFF President Ademola Aare expressed confidence that the partnership would usher in a new era of development for the federation, its players, and the rugby family. “The NRFF is thrilled to partner with Flovale,” Mr Aare stated. “This collaboration marks a fresh start for the federation, empowering us to reach the next level.” He outlined ambitious plans to cultivate a fanbase spanning primary, secondary, and university levels to establish rugby clubs nationwide. Nigeria is currently one of the world’s six fastest-growing rugby nations, according to the International Rugby Federation.
The partnership aims to make a lasting impact on Nigerian rugby. Azeez Ladipo, General Manager of Rugby, highlighted the NRFF’s ongoing efforts to introduce rugby to at least 10 Nigerian states, with plans for further expansion. He announced that 40 schools in Lagos State have already embraced the sport, and the National Rugby Championship will commence on July 26 in Ogun State, the host state for the South-West region.
NRFF Secretary General Davies Oludare emphasised the partnership’s significance in transforming Nigerian rugby. He described the NRFF’s new strategic plan, developed with Flovale’s input, which outlines eight vital objectives. These include building high-performing national teams, creating successful training environments, and transforming the NRFF into a world-class national sports organisation. The MOU signing ceremony concluded with the unveiling of NRFF’s two new logos, signifying a new era for Nigerian rugby.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
