By Joel Ajayi
The Nigeria Rugby Federation (NRF) has welcomed new board members as Azeez Ladipo and Mr. Angulu Sulaiman emerged victorious in the just-concluded elections held on Friday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
In a transparent and peaceful exercise, Ladipo was elected as Athletes’ Representative with 16 votes, while Sulaiman clinched the position of Technical Representative with an emphatic 28–1 win after his opponent, Ntiesse Williams, stepped down before voting began.
Sulaiman, dedicating his victory to the wider rugby family, pledged to elevate the game and enhance the role of coaches across the country. “This victory is not mine alone. It belongs to all stakeholders, coaches, and board members. Even my opponent is my mentor in rugby, and his decision to step down shows the family spirit we share,” he said. “My mission is to elevate rugby in Nigeria and strengthen the position of coaches in particular.”
On his part, Ladipo vowed to make player welfare his top priority while also focusing on long-term structures to develop young talents. He emphasized the need for insurance, medical support, concussion management, and proper bonuses for players representing Nigeria, alongside the establishment of age-grade pathways and regional competitions to build the future of the sport.
Supervising the election, NRFF President Dr. Ademola Are commended the harmony and unity on display, describing it as a good omen for the game. He reaffirmed the federation’s focus on grassroots development through schools, the second phase of the Rugby Rising initiative, and increased female participation.
With both Ladipo and Sulaiman joining the board, the NRF has signaled a renewed drive to promote welfare, deepen grassroots structures, and position Nigerian rugby for continental competitiveness.
