Ibudo Rugby Academy triumph as NAWIS celebrates International Women’s Day with Girls’ Rugby tourney

Ibudo Rugby Academy triumph as NAWIS celebrates International Women’s Day with Girls’ Rugby tourney

Ibudo Rugby Academy’s under-17 girls have emerged champions of the International Women’s Day Girls Rugby Tournament, organised by the National Association of Women in Sports (NAWIS) Lagos Chapter in collaboration with the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day.

The tournament, designed to engage young girls in sports alongside a mentorship programme aimed at empowering secondary school students through sport and education, featured participants from Jibril Martins Memorial Grammar School, Aguda Community Grammar School, Cardoso High School, Dorcas Memorial College and Ibudo Rugby Academy.

In the matches played, Jibril Martins Memorial Grammar School were held to a draw by Dorcas Memorial College, while Cardoso High School and Aguda Community Grammar School also settled for a draw. However, Ibudo U-17 Rugby Academy proved too strong for Aguda Community Grammar School, defeating them convincingly in a one-sided encounter to emerge champions.

The event also featured a mentorship session aligned with this year’s theme, “Give To Gain,” where speakers from various sporting backgrounds shared inspiring messages with the girls. Tayo Popoola, President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, spoke on respect and character development, while Mrs Funmilayo Adaku highlighted the importance of personal hygiene and healthy living.

Former table tennis international and Olympian, Bose Olateju Kaffo encouraged the girls to show respect to parents and teachers, while Lagos State Taekwondo coach Mrs Peace conducted a practical self-defence session to help build the girls’ confidence. The Nigeria Rugby Women Development Officer, Hussain Wuraola, also delivered a lecture on the theme “Give To Gain,” urging the girls to embrace kindness, discipline and service as pathways to success.

Special recognition was given to Mrs Nkechi, the Lagos State Director of Coaches, for her dedication and support in ensuring the smooth organisation of the programme. The event was also attended by the General Manager of Nigeria Rugby, Azeez Ladipo, whose presence underscored the federation’s commitment to the development of girls’ rugby and youth sports initiatives.

Organisers reaffirmed their commitment to empowering girls through sport, mentorship and leadership opportunities. The programme concluded with celebrations and the presentation of the championship trophy to Ibudo U-17 Rugby Academy, marking a successful and impactful International Women’s Day celebration.