Sports

We Are Set to Rebuild and Rebrand Rugby Game-Dr Are

Published

4 years ago

October 19, 2021

Joel Ajayi
President of Nigeria Rugby Federation Dr Ademola Are has reiterated his commitment to rebuild and rebrand the game of Rugby in the country to ensure Nigeria is back to the comity of Rugby nation.

Dr Are stated this in Ilorin, Kwara state while speaking with journalist at the ongoing 2021 edition of National Youth Games.
The former Director of Grassroots and Development Dr Are who was in Ilorin to assist ministry as well on the capacity of President of Rugby expressed that the Federation is working hard to bring all stakeholders’ together a move that believe if achieve, would go a long way in bring growth of the game in the country and beyond.

According to him, Rugby Federation has been a troublesome entity, but we are working hard to bring everyone together.
“We can’t condemn totally whatever thing that happened in the past.

“It’s our duty to come in and bring everybody together remove toga of ban on Nigeria, concentrate more of grassroots development and tap into various elite athletes home and abroad.”

While giving the hints on the line up programs for the Rugby, he said that: “By December the Federation is going to have a grassroots program in Delta state we got that approval.

“Also , by the end of October we shall be in Kenya for Rugby competition to be host by Kenya we are working hard to get approval and ensure Nigeria is back into comity of Rugby.”

He therefore solicited for the media support to enable the rebuild and rebrand the game in the country. “We have a house that we are trying to rebuild and rebrand and with your support we shall get there.” He appealed.

Share on Facebook

Sports

FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification

Published

15 hours ago

October 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums

Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.

Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.

In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”

He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.

“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”

Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT

Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.

“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.

Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.

“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”

The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.

He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.

Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development

As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.

“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”

Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.

Share on Facebook