Students to battle for medal in Rugby as NUGA unveils sports for University Games

Rugby has officially been included as one of the 22 sporting events for the 27th Nigeria University Games (NUGA), which are scheduled to be held at the University of Jos, Plateau State, from November 6 to 16, 2025.

Organisers have released the full list of approved sports, which features athletics, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, chess, cricket, e-sports, football, and handball. The lineup also includes hockey, judo, karate, rowing and yachting, scrabble, squash, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, and volleyball.

Game on! 🏆🔥
The list is out, 24 officially approved games for the 27th #NUGAUnijos2025!
From track to chess, football to swimming , Jos City is ready for greatness! ⚡

.#NUGA #UnitePlayInPeace #JosIsReady pic.twitter.com/0Fu9YXjGtM

— NUGA – Nigeria University Games Association (@NUGANigeria) October 28, 2025

The inclusion of rugby was met with enthusiasm by Dr. Ademola Are, President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF).

He described the decision as a “welcome development” and credited it to the persistent advocacy of the sport’s stakeholders.

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“This is encouraging and the reward for the consistent efforts of those who keep speaking for rugby in the right places. We must continue to project the sport until it gets the recognition it truly deserves,” Dr. Are stated.

Dr. Are also highlighted that this milestone is a direct result of the NRFF’s ongoing partnership with NUGA. Since taking office, he has emphasised his commitment to expanding rugby’s presence in universities across the country.

“This achievement is part of the result of our continuous collaboration with NUGA to expand the reach of rugby in universities nationwide,” he added.