NRFF unveils 2026 calendar with women's rugby and stronger domestic structure target
The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has rolled out an ambitious and far-reaching calendar of activities for the 2026 season, signalling a renewed push to strengthen domestic competitions and reposition women’s rugby on the continental stage.
The federation’s Media Coordinator, Tolu Oguntimehin, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos and made available to journalists.
According to the statement, the 2026 roadmap is anchored on grassroots expansion, youth development, high-performance pathways and improved international competitiveness across both the 7s and 15s formats.
The federation revealed that the coming season will feature expanded domestic competitions, described as one of its 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.
Also unveiled are, “Youth tournaments including Get Into Rugby 2.0 (U13 & U18) and Rugby 7s at the National Youth Games (U15).
“International exposure through the Africa Cup 7s (Men) in Mauritius and other invitational fixtures,” it said.
The NRFF explained that the structure is designed to boost match exposure, strengthen talent identification and ensure wider nationwide participation.
Women’s rugby is expected to take centre stage in the 2026 agenda, with the federation describing its return to continental competition as a major catalyst for revitalising the women’s programme.
As part of this drive, the NRFF confirmed that it has 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.
“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.”
On the international front, the federation stated that Nigeria will compete in the Africa Cup 7s (Men’s), pursue international Test opportunities and deepen regional collaboration through the West Africa Rugby Series under the framework of Rugby Africa.
Describing the season as pivotal, the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation stated: “Our domestic competitions are stronger, and our women’s programme now has a clear continental pathway.
“Our youth initiatives continue to expand. We are building a sustainable rugby ecosystem for Nigeria’s future.”
The federation added that the 2026 calendar serves as a strategic blueprint for performance growth, women’s empowerment and Nigeria’s sustained resurgence in African rugby, with community and school competitions such as the Golden 7s Schools Tournament and National Open 7s (U18) also included.
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