The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has unveiled its 2026 calendar of activities, outlining an expanded domestic competition structure and renewed commitment to women’s rugby development. The federation says the roadmap is designed to strengthen grassroots participation, youth pathways, and Nigeria’s competitiveness in both the 7s and 15s formats across Africa.
The domestic season will feature a National 7s Circuit for men and women across Kano, Lagos, Delta, and Edo, alongside a six-zone National 15s League culminating in national finals in Abuja. Youth competitions such as Get Into Rugby 2.0, the Golden 7s Schools Tournament, and rugby events at the National Youth Games will also form part of the development pipeline.
Internationally, Nigeria will compete in the Africa Cup 7s in Mauritius while the federation intensifies efforts to revive women’s rugby on the continent. The NRFF has submitted a bid to host the Africa Cup Women’s 7s Regional Qualifier in Lagos or Ogun and is exploring participation in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Division 1 in Tunisia.
The federation says the 2026 calendar represents a strategic blueprint for performance growth, women’s empowerment, and long-term sustainability of rugby in Nigeria, supported by capacity-building programmes, governance initiatives, and stronger regional collaboration.
