Sports

UK High Commission Donates Kits to Nigeria Rugby Football Federation

Published

8 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

Tangerine APT Pension Crowned New Kings of PFA Games 2025

Published

7 hours ago

November 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi
Joel Ajayi Tangerine APT Pension stormed the 2025 Pension Fund Administrators Games and snatched the crown with a commanding 66 points—ending FCMB’s reign and announcing themselves as the new champions of corporate sporting excellence.

From the first whistle to the final scoreboard, Tangerine APT played like an organisation possessed. They dominated volleyball and snooker, showcased brilliant tactical depth to finish second in chess behind Norrenberger, secured second place in team bonding behind Premium Pension, and held their own across the board—fourth in football, sixth in table tennis, fifth in scrabble, and eighth in e-sports, press conference, discipline and grooming. Every point mattered, and Tangerine APT grabbed them with fire.

Defending champions FCMB, despite flashes of brilliance, simply could not summon last year’s magic.

They finished second overall with 63 points—just three points behind the new champions. FCMB were first in scrabble, second in football, third in table tennis and e-sports, fourth in snooker and team bonding, and fifth in volleyball, chess, and press conference/discipline/grooming. A brave defence, but not enough to stop the Tangerine wave.

Rounding off the podium is NPF Pension, finishing third with 57 points after a spirited campaign. They claimed gold in football, second in table tennis and e-sports, third in volleyball, fourth in scrabble, sixth in press conference/discipline/fanfare/most coordinated, seventh in chess, and eighth in snooker and team bonding.

The rest of the table saw fierce competition:4th – Norrenberger Pension: 52 points, 5th – Premium Pension: 47 points, 6th – NNPC Pension: 45 points, 7th – Access Arm: 41 points
In Others position 8th – Trustfund Pension: 29 points 9th – PENCOM: 28 points and 10th – NUPEMCO: 25 points.

With the dust settled and the cheers still echoing, one truth stands tall:Tangerine APT Pension has ushered in a new era—bold, dominant, and unforgettable.

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