Nigeria Rugby League Association (NRLA) vice-chairman Ade Adebisi has said adopting international administrative standards is crucial to ensuring Nigerian athletes’ growing competitiveness is matched by effective sports management.
Adebisi, who also serves as the association’s general manager, spoke as officials from Nigeria, France and Wales joined the International Rugby League World Cup 2026 operations team in Australia for a three-week placement. The initiative is the first outcome of the IRL’s Accelerator Nation programme, which aims to improve global competitiveness.
Nigeria earned a place in the programme after beating four other invited applicants from the Middle East and Africa in a selection process conducted by the IRL Strategy Committee.
Adebisi said the experience would help strengthen the association’s domestic operations.
“What I bring back will go straight into how NRLA operates,” Adebisi stated.
“Our players have already shown they can compete internationally, and now our administration needs to match that standard. This experience will help us build stronger systems, better governance and a more professional environment for our athletes, coaches and partners.”
The Accelerator Nation programme promotes development across schools and universities, elite coaching, international tours and placements for players at top foreign clubs.
With support from key partner Alaro City, Adebisi said the association was pursuing a long-term strategy to expand rugby league across Nigeria.
“Our focus is on growth at every level: expanding the game in schools and universities, strengthening both our men’s and women’s programmes, and developing coaches and officials,” Adebisi added.
“We also want to ensure the MEA Championship takes place every year for both men’s and women’s international teams, delivered to an IRL-recognised standard. We’re grateful to Alaro City for their support as a key partner, which is helping us build a sustainable future for the sport in Nigeria. Our long-term ambition is for Nigeria to host a Women’s Rugby League World Cup, and this is an important step towards that.”
