By Dipo Olowookere
An acting Technical Director has been appointed for the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) and he is Mr Abubakar Yakubu, otherwise known as Yaro.
A statement from the federation explained that the appointment of Yaro was part of the federation’s drive to improve the development of rugby in Nigeria.
President of the NRFF, Mr Kelechi Mbagwu, who commented on the development, said Yaro will now take over from Mr Ntiense Williams, who was booted out by the board recently.
Mr Mbagwu said the experience of the new Technical Director as a former national player would be needed to revamp rugby across the country, adding that his target was to see more Nigerian youths in rugby.
“He has the experience and also the knowledge and the ability to represent the country internationally.
“Yakubu is known as the ‘no nonsense’ founder of the Sabon Gari rugby club currently playing in the Northern league,” the president said.
He revealed that the board would do strive to support the growth of the sport at all levels.
Yaro, who is the Coach of Sabon Gari Rugby Club Zaria, said his “appointment came at the right time.”
According to him, “My vision is to upgrade rugby at the grassroots, state and federal levels,” adding that “the issue of training coaches and capacity building are parts of my commitment. I will ensure that the rugby league is well organized in terms of logistics and fair officiating.”
Spokesman of the NRFF, Mr Debo Oshundun, said that the choice of Yaro was popular not just because of his previous exploits on the rugby field.
“He is highly respected for his efficiency and effectiveness with which he coordinated the Northern league (known as the oldest league in the country) during last year’s highly successful rugby campaign,” he said.
Modupe Gbadeyanka