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.

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Sports

Lagos State Sports Commission, Abbey Rangers FC Seal Groundbreaking Partnership for Grassroots Football Development

Published

2 hours ago

November 5, 2025

The Gleamer

The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Abbey Rangers Football Club, a renowned community football institution in the United Kingdom, marking a new era in grassroots football development in Nigeria.

Under this strategic alliance, Abbey Rangers FC will collaborate with the Lagos State Sports Commission to implement a robust seven-pillar framework focused on:
talent development, coaching enhancement, sports science, community engagement, policy support, resource mobilization, and infrastructure growth.

The partnership is a first of its kind between Nigeria and a UK-based community football club and aims to create a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive football ecosystem in Lagos State. It promises to unlock new international opportunities for young athletes and coaches, offering pathways for advanced training, mentorship, and global exposure.

Speaking at the official unveiling, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, described the partnership as “a landmark step in Lagos’ mission to build a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem.”

“This collaboration represents a deliberate effort to connect Lagos with global best practices in grassroots football development,” Fatodu stated.

“Abbey Rangers brings proven expertise and community-driven values that align with our vision to nurture world-class talent and position Lagos as a continental hub for youth sports excellence.”

In his remarks, Abbey Rangers Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nick Riley, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that it reflects the club’s long-standing commitment to community-driven sports development.

“We are proud to partner with Lagos State on this visionary initiative,” Riley said.

“Abbey Rangers has always believed that community football is a powerful tool for development, inclusion, and opportunity. This collaboration allows us to share our grassroots model and experience with one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.”

The LSSC–Abbey Rangers partnership is a reflection of Lagos State’s strategic commitment to developing the next generation of football talent through international collaboration, innovation, and community-based sports programs. It also reaffirms the Commission’s leadership in driving sports diplomacy and youth empowerment across Africa.

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