Rugby World Series: Nigeria female team can shock bookmakers in Canada, says Cole

With Rugby determined to raise its head above the parapets of neglect, and gain more followership in the new year after the female became the first African side to qualify for the World Series in Canada, Biodun Olawole Cole, Chairman, Nigeria Rugby League Association (NRLA) opens up on his vision for the game in the country, his quest to ensure Nigeria becomes a full member of International Rugby Association (IRA), and women national team’s chances at upcoming World Series in this exclusive interview with David Meshioye

Nigeria is known for its love and preference for football while Basketball is currently being embraced after DTigress; feat at the last Olympics in Paris. How challenging and bumpy has it been trying to sell rugby to Nigerians?
Honestly, you are right because whenever we post that Nigeria just won this competition, everybody says” so you play rugby in Nigeria”  the truth is that Rugby has been in Nigeria for the past 20 years, we are the Nigeria Rugby League, and we are riding on the name that the union has created for the country, but I think once sponsors start coming in as well as other supports, the sport will become even more popular. We are currently doing well on the pitch.

What would you say is the vision behind the Leve1&2 Training Course for Coaches and Referees?
We are looking forward to become members of the International Rugby Association. The benefit comes with funding and the men’s team being able to play at the World Cup. Our Women’s team has qualified for the World Series and if we can complete these courses successfully that is the only criteria we need to get accredited by the International Federation hence we invested money for referees and coaches to get this training. Also to ensure