Sports

UK High Commission Donates Kits to Nigeria Rugby Football Federation

Published

2 months ago

April 17, 2025

By Joel Ajayi

In a move aimed at promoting the game of rugby in Nigeria, the British High Commission has donated rugby kits to the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF). The donation, which includes over 19 cartons of shirts and balls, was presented on Thursday at the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Speaking during the presentation, the UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, emphasized the potential of Nigerian rugby on the international stage.

“Over 120 countries globally participate in rugby. Why shouldn’t Nigeria be one of the countries climbing up the league tables both in Africa and beyond? I believe Nigeria can achieve that,” she said.

Lever praised the country’s rapid progress in the sport, noting that Nigeria had moved from being ranked 24th in Africa to 8th in less than three years.

“That’s fantastic progress—well done and congratulations! I’m particularly impressed with the efforts to bring more women into the sport. Emerging rugby nations like Nigeria are helping grow the sport, especially among young girls and women,” she added.

She also highlighted rugby’s positive impact on society: “Rugby is famous for its team spirit, shared goals, and strong values like integrity, honesty, and respect. It’s a physically tough game that teaches mental resilience and promotes social inclusion.”

Representing the National Sports Commission Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Maigidasama, Assistant Director in the Ministry of Sports, expressed appreciation to the British High Commission for the generous donation.

“We have over 40 sporting federations in Nigeria, so this support to rugby is a huge plus. We urge the UK Commission to extend similar gestures to other federations. I assure you that these kits and balls will be put to good use for the development of sports,” he said.

In his welcome remarks, the General Manager of the NRFF, Azeez Ladipo, acknowledged the role of SOS Kit Aid, a UK-based organization renowned for supporting sports teams globally.

“This journey started in March 2024, when we applied to SOS Kit Aid. Today, through the support of the British High Commission, those kits have arrived in Nigeria via diplomatic means, with no cost to the NRFF. That’s something we’re truly grateful for.”

Ladipo also highlighted the progress of Nigerian rugby under the leadership of Dr. Ademola Are, which includes: Climbing from 24th to 8th in Africa’s rugby rankings.

Launching the Rugby Rising Play Programme, a girls-only initiative for teenage girls aged 10 to 18 across 15 states. Hiring Steve Lewis, a two-time USA Coach of the Year, as Nigeria’s national rugby coach.

Winning the President’s Cup against Ghana.Reviving the women’s rugby programme;Re-admittance into the National Institute of Sports.

He concluded by reaffirming the federation’s commitment to growing rugby across the nation and thanked all partners involved.
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Sports

Air Warriors Grieve Kano Basketball Secretary, Athletes Lost in Fatal Accident

Published

4 hours ago

June 2, 2025

The Gleamer

The management of Air Warriors Basketball Club has extended its heartfelt condolences to the Kano State Sports Commission following the tragic death of Bashir Yargaya, the State’s Basketball Secretary, who lost his life alongside 21 others in a devastating road accident. The incident occurred as the team was returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of the club, Abdulmajid Solademi, the club expressed deep sorrow over the heartbreaking loss. He conveyed sincere sympathy to the family of the late Bashir Yargaya, as well as to the families of other athletes and officials who perished in the accident.

“This is a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian basketball community and the entire sports fraternity,” Solademi said. “Bashir Yargaya was a passionate and dedicated servant of the game who worked tirelessly to develop basketball in Kano State and beyond. His sudden passing, along with that of other athletes and officials, is a tremendous loss not only to their loved ones but also to the entire nation.”

The club chairman also prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for strength and comfort for their families and the entire Kano State sports community in this period of mourning.

Air Warriors Basketball Club joins the rest of the Nigerian sports community in honoring the memories of those who tragically lost their lives in service to sport and the nation.

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