Nigeria Rugby Football Federation unveils 2025 calendar of events
By Olaolu Joseph
The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has announced its 2025 calendar of events, featuring a packed lineup of local and international tournaments, training programs, and developmental initiatives. These activities are designed to promote rugby across the nation and elevate its profile at all levels.
The Rugby Rising Play Nigeria initiative will kick off the year on February 10, launching across 15 states as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots rugby. Shortly after, the South East zone will host the National 15s League from March 28-30 in Abia State, setting the stage for competitive regional rugby.
To prepare national teams for international competitions, the NRFF will organize a World Anti-Doping Agency seminar from March 6-7. Also, in celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, the federation will host events across the North, East, West, and South regions to highlight the growing role of women in rugby.
In May, World Rugby-certified educators will conduct Level 1 training courses for medical personnel, coaches, match officials, and strength & conditioning experts from May 22-25, with more sessions planned for September. Meanwhile, the NRFF General Assembly, set for April, will bring together stakeholders to review the federation’s progress and chart future plans.
For its part, Ogun State will host the Rugby Rising Festival and Hon Tunde Delu Rugby Super 4 on April 5, featuring four invitational teams. A week later, on April 12, zonal league winners will compete in Lagos for the NRFF National League Finals, also known as the Super Cup.
In the activities to follow, Youth rugby will take center stage from April 26-27 with the National Open 7s Tournament for U18 boys and girls, while Beach rugby enthusiasts can also look forward to the Turbo Crest Beach Rugby event in April, although the exact date is yet to be confirmed.
In May, Lagos will host a National 7s Tournament for men and women alongside a coaches clinic led by renowned Coach Steve Lewis from May 10-11, while a similar event will follow in Kano on May 17-18. The men’s national team will then undergo an intensive training camp in Lagos from June 3-17 as they prepare for the Africa Cup 7s, which will take place in Mauritius from June 18-23.
Zaria will showcase top-tier rugby talent with the Lilleker Tournament 15s in June. The National 15s League will also continue across multiple zones—North, South West, South East, and South South—between June and October.
In July, Nigeria’s U12 boys’ national team will travel to Cote d’Ivoire for the Marie Koré International Tournament, scheduled from July 14-21. The NRFF National League Finals will then be held in November in the North region, bringing together the winners of all leagues.
Asaba will host the National Youth Games Rugby 7s for U15 boys and girls in September. The Safari Sevens Tournament will follow in October, with Nigeria’s men’s and women’s 7s teams set to compete in Nairobi, Kenya, from October 10-12.
The Get Into Rugby Schools Festival 2.0 will feature a National Schools 7s Tournament in November, further promoting the sport among young students. Lagos State will also host the West Africa Rugby Series from November 3-9, featuring teams from Nigeria, Ghana, and Cote d’Ivoire.
The year will conclude with the NRFF’s Annual General Meeting on December 4, where the federation will review the year’s achievements and set new goals for 2026.
