27th NUGA Games: Rugby Secures Spot as One of 22 Sports

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Rugby has been officially confirmed among the 22 events approved for the 27th Nigeria University Games (NUGA), scheduled to take place at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State, from November 6 to 16, 2025.

The inclusion was announced by the organisers of NUGA, who listed rugby alongside other featured sports such as athletics, football, basketball, tennis, volleyball, swimming, boxing, judo, taekwondo, badminton, chess, scrabble, and e-sports, among others.

Reacting to the news, President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) Ademola Are described rugby’s inclusion in the NUGA lineup as a “welcome development and a testament to the tireless efforts of all who continue to champion the cause of the sport.”

“This is encouraging and the reward for the consistent efforts of those who keep speaking for rugby in the right places,” he said. “We must continue to project the sport until it gets the recognition it truly deserves.”

Are, who was recently re-elected as NRFF President, reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the federation’s collaboration with NUGA to further embed rugby in the university sports system.