World Rugby will soon unban Nigerian federation, Are assures

Efforts to bring Nigeria back to the comity of rugby-playing nations will soon bear fruits, President of Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Ademola Are, said on Thursday in Abuja.

Are said the ban placed on Nigeria really harmed the development and growth of the game in the country and all hands had since been on deck to effect a change.

“Until this ban is lifted, our source of income is actually limited. We need funds from the international body, and we need funds from individuals and corporate bodies.

“Most especially, we need funds from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. There is really nothing we can do without the ministry.

“But the ban has to be lifted first for us to move, and uplift the game for the necessary development and growth,” he said.

Are was optimistic that having sent to World Rugby, the sport’s international governing body, the NRFF constitution as well as reports, pictures and minutes of their meetings, there would be a reaction.

“It is expected that Rugby Africa, the continental body, will send all these to World Rugby for deliberation and approval during their congress in May.

“From the feelers we are getting from federation Presidents from Africa, they are very eager that Nigeria will soon come back.

“They believe we have the population, and we have the economy and we have a very large pool of players to tap from. They are eager to bring us back to the fold,” the NRFF President said.

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On a decision reached at their recent congress in Benin in March