Enugu, Ekiti and Kaduna States have become the latest states to embrace the Rugby Rising initiative; a grassroots development programme implemented in partnership with World Rugby, Rugby Africa and the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF).
Enugu, the capital of the former Eastern Region; Ekiti, renowned for its strong commitment to education, especially for the girl child; Kaduna, noted for its rich ethnic diversity; Oyo, the economic hub of the old Western Region; and Gombe, the jewel of the savannah celebrated for its cultural richness, agricultural output, and mineral resources, have all joined the growing list of states adopting the project.
The Rugby Rising programme is designed to increase female participation in sports, with World Rugby setting a target of 3,000 girls for the NRFF nationwide.
So far, the project has expanded to about 20 states, including Abuja, Kwara, Enugu, Abia, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Delta, Edo, Kogi, Kano, Bauchi, Kaduna, Gombe, Anambra, Benue and Plateau States.
In Nigeria, the project is supervised by Wuraola Hussaini, who was appointed by the NRFF based on her vast experience in the sport and certifications obtained from World Rugby.
The programme officially kicked off in November 2025 with a Train-the-Trainer coaching workshop in Abuja, where coaches from across the country received hands-on training and certification to implement the project in their respective states.
Speaking on the progress recorded so far, Hussaini praised the commitment of the coaches and the overwhelming response from participants.
“I am amazed by the enthusiasm we have seen from children across different parts of Nigeria. Even in areas where we anticipated challenges, the response has been phenomenal. I am confident we will meet and even surpass the target set by World Rugby.
The girls, especially in rural communities, have embraced the programme with great excitement. Rugby has given them a platform to express their energy and potential,” she said.
