Sports
Rugby: Azeez Ladipo and Angulu Clinch NRF Technical Posts, Target Game’s Growth
By Joel Ajayi
The Nigeria Rugby Federation (NRF) has welcomed new board members as Azeez Ladipo and Mr. Angulu Sulaiman emerged victorious in the just-concluded elections held on Friday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
In a transparent and peaceful exercise, Ladipo was elected as Athletes’ Representative with 16 votes, while Sulaiman clinched the position of Technical Representative with an emphatic 28–1 win after his opponent, Ntiesse Williams, stepped down before voting began.
Sulaiman, dedicating his victory to the wider rugby family, pledged to elevate the game and enhance the role of coaches across the country. “This victory is not mine alone. It belongs to all stakeholders, coaches, and board members. Even my opponent is my mentor in rugby, and his decision to step down shows the family spirit we share,” he said. “My mission is to elevate rugby in Nigeria and strengthen the position of coaches in particular.”
On his part, Ladipo vowed to make player welfare his top priority while also focusing on long-term structures to develop young talents. He emphasized the need for insurance, medical support, concussion management, and proper bonuses for players representing Nigeria, alongside the establishment of age-grade pathways and regional competitions to build the future of the sport.
Supervising the election, NRFF President Dr. Ademola Are commended the harmony and unity on display, describing it as a good omen for the game. He reaffirmed the federation’s focus on grassroots development through schools, the second phase of the Rugby Rising initiative, and increased female participation.
With both Ladipo and Sulaiman joining the board, the NRF has signaled a renewed drive to promote welfare, deepen grassroots structures, and position Nigerian rugby for continental competitiveness.
Sports
Nigeria Jets Out Tuesday for 2025 Hockey AFCON as Federation President Engr Nkom Backs Teams for Podium Finish
Joel Ajayi
With the 2025 Hockey African Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to take place in Egypt from October 11 to 18, both the men’s and women’s national hockey teams are set to depart Nigeria on October 7, brimming with confidence and determination to make the nation proud.
The President of the Hockey Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Engineer Simon Nkom, speaking after a series of friendly matches at the Hockey Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, said the teams’ early preparation and intensive training camps have positioned them for a successful outing in Egypt.
“In sports—whether it’s hockey, handball, or basketball—fitness is key. That’s why we began camping weeks ago to build the players’ strength and resilience ahead of this major competition. This is the African Cup of Nations—the highest level of hockey on the continent. We’ve prepared well, and I’m confident our teams will finish on the podium,” he stated.
Nkom highlighted the significant progress Nigerian hockey has recorded in recent years, noting that the country’s world ranking improved from 56th to 36th, while in Hockey 5s, Nigeria now stands 12th globally.
“A few years ago, people barely knew hockey existed in Nigeria. Today, our women’s team ranks 3rd in Africa, and the men’s team is 4th. This growth is a product of deliberate grassroots development and consistent effort,” he added.
To ensure smooth participation and avoid past challenges of late arrivals at tournaments, the federation has finalized logistics for early departure.
“We’ve made all arrangements for the teams to leave early to acclimatize and play friendly matches before the competition begins. The players are motivated, relaxed, and ready to give their best. By God’s grace, they will return home with their heads held high,” Nkom assured.
The HFN President also lauded the federation’s board members for their commitment and teamwork over the past four years, which he said has greatly contributed to the sport’s steady rise in Nigeria.
Head coach Ndana Baba Abdullahi, who oversees both the men’s and women’s teams, praised the federation’s support and lauded the players’ work ethic throughout the extended training camp.
“We’ve worked very hard — morning and evening sessions, tactical drills, conditioning. The players have responded excellently. We started with 35 players and are now down to the final 18 who will make the trip,” Abdullahi said, adding that the early arrival in Egypt would give Nigeria a crucial psychological and tactical edge.
Men’s team captain, Michael John, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness and determination to make history in Egypt.
“We’re perfectly fine — we’ve trained hard and prepared well,” he said. “We’re just waiting for the whistle to blow. By God’s grace, we won’t disappoint our country or those who worked hard to send us there.”
Similarly, women’s team captain, Alfa Cornelius, echoed optimism about the team’s prospects.
“We’ve been camping for over a month, and the coaches have done a wonderful job. We’ve worked hard to match our opponents in both strength and skill. I’m 100% confident that we’ll perform excellently in Egypt,” she said.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News9 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
