Nigeria sports updates: Rugby League launch and NNL schedule change

The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has announced the launch of the Nigeria Rugby League in November. Following an emergency board meeting in Abuja, the federation detailed a format involving regional contests to determine six champions. These winners will advance to the national finals, known as the Super Cup, scheduled for February 2027 in Abuja. The league structure is expected to include six men’s and six women’s teams. To support this rollout, the NRFF has appointed six team managers to coordinate activities across the country’s geopolitical zones.

Separately, the Nigeria National League (NNL) has rescheduled the opening match of its 2026/2027 season. The Conference A fixture between Heartland of Owerri and Crown FC Ogbomoso, originally set for October 31, will now take place on November 1, 2026, at Dan Anyiam Stadium. NNL Chief Operating Officer Danlami Alanana stated the 24-hour delay was necessary to accommodate important state events at the venue, aiming to ensure a strong turnout for the season opener. Other fixtures for the season remain scheduled for the weekend of November 7–8, 2026.