IRA confirms Nigeria Rugby League affiliate member

The Nigeria Rugby League Association has been confirmed as an affiliate member of International Rugby League, The Newsmen reports.

The IRL approved the NRLA as an affiliate member status at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting on Saturday.

The IRL said the NRLA underwent a rigorous process to satisfactorily demonstrate the growth of their organisation and their capacity to deliver rugby league programmes.

NRLA and the Rugby League Federation of Ghana are the first two members in the Middle East-Africa region to achieve affiliate membership.

The IRL says this further illustrates the progress being made by the sport in the region.

“We were pleased to receive the votes confirming NRLA as an affiliate member of International Rugby League,” said Ade Adebisi, NRLA vice-president.

“This is motivating news for all of us at NRLA.

“Our target is to qualify for the World Cup in 2025 and achieve full membership status.”