The Nigerian Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) and The Ghana Rugby Football Union (Ghana Rugby) Presidents, Kelechukwu Mbagwu and Herbert Mensah have announced the creation of an annual President’s Cup that will be played on a home-and-away basis. The first President’s Cup will be played this year between two President XV teams of the rugby nations […]
via Nigeria and Ghana Rugby Announces Annual President’s Cup — finixsportsblog
The organisers of the Sandie Beach Rugby tournament have announced that all is set for another action packed and fun filled edition of the eagerly awaited sports event which holds on the 1st and 2nd of December,2018, at the Takwa Bay Beach, Lagos. The Beach version of the game of Rugby, seems to be catching […]
via 2018 Sandie Beach Rugby Tournament Holds This Weekend In Lagos — finixsportsblog
The President of the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation, Sir Edward Pam Fom has lauded the members of the sporting press for their effort in promoting the sport in 2015 and wished them a bountiful 2016 which he predicts will be full of amazing surprises.
In his brief New Year message, Pam Fom described 2015 as a year that saw Rugby taking a big leap with the ever trusted support of the sport writers family.
He said “when you quantify the media mileage enjoyed by Rugby in 2015, you will see that the federation remains indebted to our highly esteemed media partners”.
“The gospel of Rugby was everywhere which has not only helped the federation’s course of seeing the sport rated amongst the top 5 federations in Nigeria.
The Plateau state born administrator pledged his unalloyed commitment to the development of rugby as he called on all stakeholders to come together in improving on the achievements recorded last year.
He thanked CMB Building Maintenance & Inv Co ltd. for standing behind the federation through thick and thin.
“The South West League would not have been possible neither will camping and traveling for our international competitions be possible” He also thanked Kelechi Mbagwu who has continuously and generously doled out funds to the federation through his company.”
He promised that 2016 will be bigger and better if early indications are anything to go by.
The Management of Turbocrest sports and La Cabana lounge, have declared that all is now set for the 2015 edition of the Sandie beach Rugby carnival as the rugby fraternity in Lagos state are fast catching the frenzy.
According to Ayo Olatunbosun Johnson, CEO of Turbocrest sports, this year’s edition promises be a blast as a lot of effort is being made to ensure rugby lovers and the general public witness Beach rugby at a grand scale at the exquisite La Cabana Longue owned by Chief Babaloke who has displayed an amazing level of philanthropy towards the cause.
Ayo who also double as Manager of Racing RFC Lagos, and Head Coach of the All Rugby Schools Elite Development Program, said the 2 days event slated for the 26th and 27th of December promises to be better than last year as elite club sides, and neighboring countries as far as Ghana and Benin republic have shown interest in this year’s edition.
Apart from the rubgy matches for kids and professionals, the event will witness side attractions, with the 2011/2012 Glo rock and rule, / Silverbird rhythm invasion winner Sixtus Ohans( aka SIX), performing at the event with La Cabana Longue, providing refreshments at the most affordable prices.
He also hinted that games such as treasure hunt, tug of war, arm wrestling, eating/drinking contest, and rugby drills, will entertain the crowds with prizes provided by PZ Cussons, My Family Mobile, and GlaxoSmithKline.
Balloons, face painting, horseback riding, cotton candy, barbecue, and more will be available for all to celebrate the festive season as one big happy family.
Ayo finally thanked the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation for their huge support towards the initiative, and lauded the wonderful effort the federation is making towards expanding rugby in Nigeria.
Organizers of the 3rd edition of the annual Nigerian Rugby Football Federation sanctioned Sandy Beach Rugby tournament have announced the 26th and 27th of December as the final date of the event taking place at La Cabana Bar, Elegushi Beach.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of Turbo Crest Sports; Ayoola Tubosun Johnson, this year’s programme will be a 2 day event kicking of at 12:00 noon each day. “This time, we are having the event for two days. The first day 26th of December is for kids while the second day which is 27th is for adults”
Speaking further, Johnson said things are looking bright as some sponsors have shown interest in partnering with them following the successes recorded in the 1st and 2nd edition of the event which started in 2013.
Johnson, who doubles as Coach of Racing RFC thanked the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation under the leadership of Sir Edward Fom Pam for their support and the Vice President, Fasimoye Olatunji for being extremely philanthropic.
He acknowledged the support of Babaloke of La Cabana Bar in Elegushi who has gone out of his way to make his facilities available for the event.
He enjoined the general public to turn out in their hundreds for the 2015 edition which promises to be exciting, with the entire rugby fraternity getting excited and looking forward to the event.
With all serious-minded Federation already taking stock of 2015 and planning for 2016, the Vice President of the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation, Olatunji Fasimoye says better times await the federation next year.
Speaking over the weekend in an interactive session with journalists, he said after several meetings between the President of the Federation, Sir Edward Fom Pam and the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Alhassan Yakmut, there are indications that the NSC will pay a better attention to rugby next year.
In his words, “The President of the federation is actually in talks with the DG and I think there is hope because the DG has shown more interest in Rugby.”
We hope by next year, they will invest more in rugby for us to take our position on the world map.
He appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the new Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung considering his recent actions in office.
Fasimoye who is an astute administrator in the private sector revealed that the minister who is not up to two months in office should not be expected to perform miracles immediately as there is need for him to consult with likeminded stakeholders before making moves.
He also mentioned that the CMB Sponsored league department of the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation has concluded plans to host the Super cup this December as to determine the ultimate champion for the 2014/2015 league season. With the 2014/2015 already ended and Cowrie Rugby Football Club of Lagos and Barewa RFC of Kano emerging champions of their regional leagues, there is a need to know the national champion.
Despite the venue for the annual championship not yet finalized, Abuja and Lagos are presently in the early lead to host the event.
He assured that come 2016, the leagues will kick off and with all programmes also resuming in earnest.
Following a report by President’s Cup tournament officials manager over the conduct of Hafis Ayinla of Cowrie RFC during the final game of the tournament against Marlins RFC from UK, a 4 man committee set up by the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation has found him guilty in line with article 10.4(s), 10.4(m) of the International Rugby Board.
Hafis who was shown a red card for engaging in a verbal altercation with the centre referee, Denis Clement, decided to take laws into his hands after the decision which he perceived unfavorable.
After a thorough investigation and reviews of video evidences, Hafis was found guilty of a verbal attack on the referee and also conducting himself in a manner that negates the spirit of good sportsmanship.
In line with regulation 17 of the IRB which deals with players’ indiscipline and foul play on the field of play, the Cowrie RFC of Lagos player has therefore been suspended from participating in any NRFF sanctioned tournament for 12 weeks.
The committee further recommended that more stringent punishment should be handed out to the players in case of future acts of misconduct inorder to protect match officials and the integrity of the sport.
The Vice President of the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation, Olatunji Fasimoye says the only way Nigerian sports can take its rightful place on the world map is through adequate investment.
Reacting after their 8th place finish at the recently concluded Olympic Rugby Qualifiers in South Africa, the Ondo state born administrator said countries like Namibia and Zimbabwe who defeated them were not technically or tactically superior.
He attributed their losses to their physical conditioning despite traveling to Johannesburg a week before the tournament for acclimatisation.
He revealed that their losses never painted a true picture of what happened because in most cases, they were always in the lead before fatigue set in.
The former Nigerian rugby international said with the human resources that abound in Nigeria and the current set of players in the national team, Nigeria will be a force to reckon with in world rugby in the next 5 years if given the right support.
The president of the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation, Sir Edward Pam Fom has assured Nigerians that the senior men’s national team will not disappoint Nigerians in South Africa as they seek their 1st ever Olympic ticket.
Fom told journalists that it will not be business as usual when the Black Stallions file out to represent Nigeria as he called for understanding.
According to him “This is a developing nation in rugby, this is a developing national team. At our very worst we are good and at our best, we can be dynamic”
“Nigerians should be patient with us, we hope to always churn out good results as we have always done”
Speaking before their departure for Johannesburg today for a 5 day training exercise before the competition slated for the 14th and 15th of November, the NRFF president thanked the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Dr Alhassan Yakmut for giving the federation an audience to discuss their plans and programs after which he promised to be fully supportive at every point in time.
He also thanked CMB Building Maintenance & Inv Co. Ltd for their unflinching supports in ensuring the availability of funds for the federation, which has in no small way helped them in preparing the team for international engagements.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to keep supporting, believing and praying for the team as they compete against Zambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe in group B in their quest to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
The Nigeria Rugby Senior National team also known as the Black Stallions will depart tomorrow, Sunday, 8th of November for Johannesburg, South Africa for the Rio 2016 Olympics qualifiers.
7 home based players and 4 officials will depart Lagos from the Murtala Muhammed aboard a Kenyan Airways flight by 12:40pm Sunday 2015.
The delegation will be led by President of the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation, Edward Pam Fom alongside the Vice President, Fasimoye Olatunji, Bandele Coker (Technical Adviser) and Bukola Bojuwoye (Team Doctor) as part of the delegation.
Meanwhile, Head coach, Fabian Juries and all invited foreign players will join the team on the 9th for the 5 days training ahead of the qualifiers on 14th & 15th of November 2015.
Speaking after their last training session on Saturday, the Technical Director of the Federation, Tunji Fasimoye revealed his optimism that the team will do well and might probably surprise the World.
He thanked CMB Building Maintenance & Inv Co. Ltd for their unflinching support in making sure that funds were provided for the federation to facilitate their trip.
In his words, Fasimoye said, “Special kudos must go to Kelechi Mbagwu, Chairman, CMB Building Maintenance and Investment Company Limited for his support.”
“We went to Zambia for the Cup 1C and Togo for the pre-Olympics qualifiers earlier this year with little or no support from the National Sports Commission, CMB came to our rescue and provided the necessary financial backing to make it possible”.
“Months after our trip to Togo, here we are about to travel to South Africa, nothing from the NSC once again. If not for CMB, this trip would not have been possible”
Nigeria has been drawn in Pool B, alongside Zimbabwe, Uganda and Zambia. Zimbabwe are favorites to advance from Pool B.
Full list
Christian OGAR (Cowrie RFC, Prop/Hooker)
Ikechukwu ONWUKANJO (USA Northeast Olympic Academy, Wing/Prop)
Nuhu Ibrahim SAMAILA (Barewa RFC, Scrum half/ Playmaker)
Danjuma MSHELIA (Richmond RFC, UK, Wing)
Alfred OCHE (Jos RFC, Fly half)
Omotohunola ODULAJA (Old Blues RFC, Scrum Half/ Playmaker)
Azeez LADIPO (Cowrie RFC, Fly half/ Playmaker)
Ayomide Joseph MOGAJI (Dorking RFC, Prop/ Wing)
Onoru Oyiza JATTO (Cowrie RFC, Wing)
Samuel EKPO (Cowrie RFC, Prop)
Onyinyeukwu ONWUKANJO (Davenport University Rugby, Prop/Hooker)
Hafis AYINLA (Cowrie RFC, Prop)
ThankGod OKAFOR (Sharks RFC, South Africa, Prop/ Centre)
Standby Player
Emmanuel AKINLUYI (Samurai Midwives, HFW Wailers, Prop/Centre)
In line with their promise and drive to qualify for the 2016 Olympics, the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation Technical Committee has released a strong 14 man list for next month’s qualifiers in South Africa.
Arising from their technical meeting held on Tuesday in Lagos, the federation listed Nigeria’s rugby golden boy and speedster, Christian Ogar (Cowrie RFC), Nuhu Ibrahim Samaila (Barewa RFC), Alfred Oche (Jos RFC), Onoru Oyiza Jatto (Cowrie RFC), Samuel Ekpo (Cowrie RFC), Hafis Ayinla (Cowrie RFC) as part of the team to be captained by Azeez Ladipo (Cowrie RFC).
Determined to have a blend of homegrown and foreign base players, 3 players were invited from the United Kingdom, 2 from the United States of America and 1 from South Africa, most of whom were discovered at the recently held President Cup international invitational tournament The Onwukanjo brothers may be in line to feature for the national team together for the first time following the decision of the federation to extend an invitation to Onyinye Onwukanjo (Davenport University Rugby, USA) and Ike Onwukanjo (USA Northeast Olympic Academy).
Other foreign based players are Omotohunola Odulaja (Old Blues RFC, UK), Ayomide Joseph Mogaji (Doking RFC UK), Danjuma Mshelia (Richmond RFC, UK) and Thankgod Okafor (Sharks RFC South Africa)
In a statement made available to the federation’s media department, NRFF Technical Direstor, Fasimoye Olatunji, Technical Adviser, Bandele Coker and Team Doctor, Bukola Bojuwoye will be part of the 19 man delegation to South Africa.
The delegation which will be led by President of the federation, Edward Pam Fom will leave Lagos on the 8th of November for the tournament slated for the 14th and 15th of November Johannesburg.
Head coach and South African Rugby 7s legend, Fabian Juries and all invited foreign players will join the Local boys in Johannesburg on the 9th for the 5 days training ahead of the qualifiers.
Nigeria is drawn alongside Zimbabwe, Uganda and Zambia in Pool B.
Full list
Christian OGAR (Cowrie RFC, Prop/Hooker)
Ikechukwu ONWUKANJO (USA Northeast Olympic Academy, Wing/Prop)
Nuhu Ibrahim SAMAILA (Barewa RFC, Scrum half/ Playmaker)
Danjuma MSHELIA (Richmond RFC, UK, Wing)
Alfred OCHE (Jos RFC, Fly half)
Omotohunola ODULAJA (Old Blues RFC, Scrum Half/ Playmaker)
Azeez LADIPO (Cowrie RFC, Fly half/ Playmaker)
Ayomide Joseph MOGAJI (Dorking RFC, Prop/ Wing)
Onoru Oyiza JATTO (Cowrie RFC, Wing)
Samuel EKPO (Cowrie RFC, Prop)
Onyinyeukwu ONWUKANJO (Davenport University Rugby, Prop/Hooker)
Hafis AYINLA (Cowrie RFC, Prop)
ThankGod OKAFOR (Sharks RFC, South Africa, Prop/ Centre)
Standby Player
Emmanuel AKINLUYI (Samurai Midwives, HFW Wailers, Prop/Centre)
The President of the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation, Sir. Edward Fom Pam says the fast approaching CMB Building Maintenance & Investment Company Ltd sporsored Independence Rugby Sevens invitational tournament organised by the Friends of Rugby in conjunction with the federation will positively impact on the standard of the home based players.
“We have our Independence Sevens coming up, slated for October and a lot of international clubs are coming to beef up the competition.”
“Like the Western Province and other clubs coming from UK and across Africa, you know that it will beef up the intensity of your home grown players”
He believes the tournament which will be held between the 23rd and 24th of October at the Onikan stadium featuring foreign clubs like Accra Sharks from Ghana, Western Province of South Africa, Parakou RFC of Republic of Benin, UR7s of Kenya, Panthers International and Merlins Invitational both from the UK will definitely stretch the home based players to the limit and bring out the best in them..
According to the technical committee of the federation, the tournament will be used by the national team handlers to select players to camp ahead of the 2016 Olympics qualifiers coming up in Johannesburg in November.
“We are mixing our grassroots players with our foreign exports also known as Nigerian Exiles ahead of the Olympics qualifiers”.
Defending Champions Cowrie RFC will lead other Nigerian club sides- Barewa RFC, Kaduna RFC, Sabon Geri RFC, Jos RFC, Racing RFC, Police Machines, Gosar RFC, South South 7s and South East 7s to the 2 day competition.
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