Nigeria Rugby Federation's Are Announces Sports Summit

Ademola Are, President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation and chairman of the summit’s Accommodation and Logistics Sub-Committee, stated that the National Grassroots Sports Development Summit 2026 could establish a framework for improving talent discovery and development in Nigeria. The summit is set for November 18 and 19 at the Banquet Hall, State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Are emphasized the importance of grassroots sports development, aligning with the National Sports Commission's initiatives. The summit will gather sports administrators, policymakers, and stakeholders to create a coordinated approach to grassroots sports.

Are mentioned the National Sports Commission’s Team IJA initiative, which supports promising athletes identified through the National Youth Games, as a structured talent development example. The summit, themed “Creating a New Pathway for Sustainable Grassroots Sports Development,” will focus on participation, talent development, infrastructure, sports economy, and international pathways, with recommendations aimed at guiding young athletes from community competitions to national and international opportunities.