Sports

14 Teams Set To Rumbles At 2022 Abuja Rugby 10’s Tournament

Published

3 years ago

May 11, 2022

Joel Ajayi

No fewer than 14 Rugby teams will be taking part in the 2022 Rugby 10’s tourney starting from Friday’s 13th to the 14th of May inside the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Package B Abuja.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, by Abuja Rugby Football Club ARFC captain, Michael Egirani aka Don Michelino said the tournament aims to promote rugby in Nigeria and celebrate the skills of Nigerian teams.

“(ARFC) is proudly hosting the Pepsi Abuja Rugby 10’s tournament bringing together teams from across Nigeria to compete for the title of Abuja 10s Championship in the different categories, and take home a trophy and prize money for the 1st and 2nd, and 3rd place.

“This is the first rugby tournament held in Abuja in over 20 years.

“To further growth and raise the profile of rugby in Nigeria, ARFC is taking the bold step of hosting the first nationwide 10s tournament in Abuja this month will showcase the grassroots talent and the passion of Nigeria’s youth for the game of rugby..

“We are expecting over 1,000 spectators over the weekend and ARFC have planned a spectacular two days with entertainment in the intervals, food and drink vendors, craft stalls, media screens showing the live matches, DJs & MCs, seating areas with tents for shade, and an afterparty at the venue on Saturday at 7 pm. The atmosphere will be electric and there will be supporters in Abuja, nationally in Nigeria, and abroad closely following the tournament.

“14 visiting teams will be coming to Abuja for the tournament. The revamped format with a special feature of Ladies 7’s full-contact game and an earlier

finish allowing an after-party at the event venue, shortly after the awards ceremony.

“Opening ceremony is on Friday 13th May at 11 am followed by the kick-off of the first game at 12:30 pm and games will be played until 5:30 pm. On Saturday 14

May, kick-off is at 9 am.

“The quarter-finals, semi-finals, and grand finals, will all take place from 12 noon onwards on Saturday.

“Saturday afternoon will also feature a special one-off, first of its kind. Ladies 7’s full-contact match to show how the momentum around women’s rugby is continuously building and we look forward to demonstrating this to Nigeria through the unstoppable energy of our Abuja Ladies 7’s team who will be playing the Zaria Rugby Ladies 7’s team.”

In his remarks, ARFC President, Richard Abrakson, revealed that he is thrilled to be hosting the event: “We have been training hard for this tournament and can’t wait to welcome some of Nigeria’s best rugby players to our city, Abuja, the city of unity.

This is apt because our club is a community of players from diverse backgrounds. I am sure everyone will see that after some fierce competitions, all the players from Abuja rugby club and from across Nigeria will be united and friends – as often are the case with rugby players around the world.”

While speaking, ARFC Coach, Daniel Nicolle, said “With the first tournament in Abuja in over 20yrs, in the first-ever 10’s tournament in Abuja.

ARFC is looking forward to uniting Nigerian teams at the Pepsi Abuja Rugby 10’s tournament 2022.”

However, the side attraction includes, Free Entry | Food Vendors | Beer & soft drinks Craft stalls | and Seated areas available.

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Sports

Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji Wins Silver at Indonesia Para Badminton International 2025

Published

3 hours ago

November 3, 2025

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

Nigeria’s Para Badminton star, Mariam Eniola Bolaji, has won the silver medal in the Women’s Singles SL3 category at the POLYTRON Indonesia Para Badminton International 2025, which concluded on Sunday, November 2, in Surakarta, Indonesia.

Bolaji, who had been in impressive form throughout the tournament, advanced to the final after a commanding 2–0 semi-final victory over India’s Mandeep Kaur. However, in the championship match against World No. 1 Leani Ratri Oktila Syakuroh of Indonesia, the Nigerian ace was forced to retire during the first game while leading 20–16, due to a health-related concern.

Despite the setback, Bolaji’s outstanding effort earned Nigeria a well-deserved silver medal, continuing her consistent record of podium finishes at international Para Badminton events.

Reacting to the outcome, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Barr. Francis Orbih, commended Bolaji for her courage, resilience, and professionalism throughout the competition.

“We are extremely proud of Eniola’s performance and fighting spirit,” Orbih said. “Although it was not the result we hoped for, she demonstrated true character and commitment. Winning silver at this level is a remarkable achievement for her and for Nigeria.”

The BFN President also extended heartfelt appreciation to the Nigerian Government, the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Kwara State Sports Commission, and the entire Badminton family in Nigeria for their unwavering support in ensuring the team’s successful participation in Indonesia.

“We remain deeply grateful to the leadership of the NSC and the Kwara State Sports Commission for their sponsorship and continuous encouragement. Their investment in Para Badminton has been instrumental in our athletes’ steady progress on the global stage,” Orbih added.

Bolaji’s silver medal finish reinforces Nigeria’s rising profile in world Para Badminton and serves as another milestone in the country’s journey toward greater international recognition in the sport.

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