Nigeria Rugby Reveals 2026 Calendar, Targets Women’s Africa Qualification and Growth

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has unveiled its 2026 calendar, outlining bold plans to grow the sport nationwide.

The roadmap was presented in Abuja on Monday and signals a renewed push to strengthen domestic competitions.

The expanded national structure covers grassroots development, youth competitions, elite pathways and more international engagement in both 7s and 15s formats.
At the centre is one of the broadest domestic schedules in recent years.

The 2026 season will feature a National 7s Circuit for men and women, with events in Kano, Lagos, Delta and Edo.

A six-zone National League in the 15s format will span the North, South West, South East and South South, culminating in national finals in Abuja.

Youth development remains a priority, with programmes including Get Into Rugby 2.0 (Under-13 and Under-18), Rugby 7s at the National Youth Games (Under-15) and the Golden 7s Schools Tournament.

A major focus is the revitalisation of women’s rugby, with Nigeria bidding to host the Africa Cup Women’s 7s Regional Qualifier in the Lagos/Ogun region.

Hosting would restore the women’s team to 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 to strengthen competitive opportunities.

On the international front, Nigeria will compete at the Africa Cup 7s (Men’s) in Mauritius and seek additional Test matches, while regional collaboration continues through the West Africa Rugby Series.

Officials say the 2026 calendar represents a strategic blueprint to deepen competition, broaden participation and sustain Nigeria’s resurgence in African rugby.