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The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), has unveiled its comprehensive 2026 calendar of activities, outlining an expanded domestic structure and a renewed drive to reposition women’s rugby on the continental stage.
The federation’s media coordinator, Tolu Oguntimehin, made this known in a statement issued in Lagos and made available to journalists.
The roadmap focuses on grassroots growth, youth development, high-performance pathways, and stronger international competitiveness in both the 7s and 15s formats.
The statement also disclosed that the 2026 season would feature expanded domestic competitions, representing one of the federation’s most comprehensive frameworks in recent years.
“A National 7s Circuit for both men and women across host states such as Kano, Lagos, Delta, and Edo, a six-zone National 15s League (North, South West, South East, South South), culminating in national finals in Abuja,” the NRFF said.
“Community and school competitions such as the Golden 7s Schools Tournament and National Open 7s (U18). International exposure through the Africa Cup 7s (Men) in Mauritius and other invitational fixtures.”
According to the federation, the structure is designed to increase match exposure, strengthen talent identification, and ensure nationwide participation.
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The statement further noted that women’s rugby, which had returned to the continental stage as a major highlight of the 2026 agenda, would serve as a catalyst for the revitalisation of Nigeria’s women’s rugby programme.
It said the NRFF had submitted a bid to host the Africa Cup Women’s 7s Regional Qualifier in Lagos/Ogun State. It noted that hosting the tournament would restore Nigeria’s women’s team to the continental rankings and provide a pathway to the Africa Women’s Cup 7s.
“The federation is also exploring participation in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Division 1 (15s) in Tunisia — a potential route toward qualification for Africa’s elite women’s rugby competition,” the NRFF added.
“Officials say the dual 7s and 15s strategy is aimed at building a sustainable and competitive women’s programme, capacity building and governance.”
The 2026 calendar also includes World Rugby-accredited courses for coaches, medical personnel, match officials, and strength and conditioning professionals.”
This also includes alongside anti-doping education and structured school engagement initiatives,” the NRFF said.
On the international front, the federation stated that Nigeria was set to compete in the Africa Cup 7s (Men’s), pursue international Test opportunities, and strengthen regional collaboration through the West Africa Rugby Series under the structures of Rugby Africa.
“Our domestic competitions are stronger, and our women’s programme now has a clear continental pathway,” the NRFF stated. “Our youth initiatives continue to expand. We are building a sustainable rugby ecosystem for Nigeria’s future.”
According to the federation, the 2026 calendar represents a strategic blueprint for performance growth, women’s empowerment, and Nigeria’s sustained resurgence in African rugby.