Ogun State to Witness Rugby Glory as Golden 7s Tournament Begins

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Ogun State, fast emerging as Nigeria’s newest hub of sporting excellence, is set to come alive once again as it hosts the exhilarating Golden 7s Rugby Tournament — a dynamic youth and women’s rugby showcase — on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the iconic Recreation Club, GRA Ota.

Organized by the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation in collaboration with grassroots stakeholders, the one-day tournament brings together a powerful mix of raw talent, school spirit, and community pride from across the Southwest. It promises thrilling competition, skill discovery, and a deeper commitment to sport-driven development.

A Festival of Rugby Powerhouses
The women’s division will see three fierce teams collide:Cowrie RFC,AJ Sharks RFC
and Golden Sharks RFC

In the T1 Schools (Senior Boys) category, four schools will go head-to-head:New Era School, Lagos,S.T.C, Lagos,Iganmode Grammar School, Ogun,St. Michael African School, Ogun.

For the Junior Female Teams, the field is just as exciting: Ibudo Academy, Dorcas, Iganmode, Jubril Martin, Ogun Young Stallion. And in the Junior Male category, expect fire from:
Wolverine Academy, Ibudo Academy, Golden Sharks, Dorcas Cardoso, Catholic St. Michael African School and Jubril Martin.

Speaking of the event , Hussain Shakirat Wuraola, Nigeria Rugby Development Officer and Tournament Host said
“We’re excited to host the Golden Rugby 7s as a platform to build confidence in our youth, promote teamwork, discipline, and leadership through sport. It’s not just about competition—it’s about community impact and nurturing the next generation of rugby stars in Nigeria.”

The Golden 7s Rugby Tournament has been hailed as a strategic platform for accelerating youth participation and development in rugby across Nigeria’s Southwest region.

The tournament, which brings together young talents from schools and academies, plays a crucial role in identifying and nurturing the next generation of national rugby stars. By offering a competitive environment fused with mentorship opportunities, the Golden 7s promotes sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership among participants.

A standout feature of the event is its strong emphasis on gender inclusion, with both boys and girls competing across multiple age categories. This aligns with broader efforts to support female participation in sport and ensure equal access to development pathways.

Grassroots rugby structures are also receiving a boost, as the Golden 7s strengthens local engagement and builds sustainable systems for long-term talent development in the sport
With the promise of an electric atmosphere, passionate fans, and future champions taking center stage, the Golden 7s is more than a tournament—it’s a movement