🏉 Ade Adebisi Champions African Talent in Rugby League, Eyes Nigerian Women’s Entry into UK Leagues

Ade Adebisi, the trailblazing head of the Nigeria Rugby League Association, has once again underscored the vast and largely untapped reservoir of African talent in rugby league. Speaking over the weekend, Adebisi called on clubs in the Super League and other top-tier competitions to actively scout players from the African continent and diaspora communities in the UK.

Adebisi, a former professional player who has been instrumental in Nigeria’s rugby league development, pointed to the success of initiatives like Salford Red Devils’ ongoing collaboration with Ghana as proof that African talent can thrive on the international stage when given the right opportunities.

“There’s a wealth of talent in Africa—athletic, disciplined, and hungry for opportunity,” Adebisi said. “We need to bridge the gap between local talent and global platforms. The next big star in rugby league could very well come from Lagos, Accra, or Nairobi.”

In a groundbreaking move, Adebisi also revealed plans to bring five Nigerian women players to the UK league system next year. This initiative marks a major step toward not only increasing African representation in the sport but also fostering gender inclusion.

“We’re excited to introduce five of our top female players to the UK leagues in 2026. It’s a significant milestone for Nigerian women in rugby and a signal to the world that Africa is serious about competing at all levels,” he said.

The initiative is expected to involve training camps, exchange programs, and trials with established clubs. It follows on the heels of successful international exposure tours by the Nigerian men’s team, the Green Hawks, who have been gaining recognition in the Middle East-Africa region.

Adebisi’s call aligns with broader efforts to expand rugby league across Africa. The Nigeria Rugby League Association has been active in developing grassroots programs, school competitions, and regional tournaments aimed at nurturing young talent. Several players of Nigerian descent are already making waves in Europe and Australia, further validating the potential of the African pipeline.

Rugby league remains a developing sport across much of the continent, but with advocates like Adebisi at the helm, Africa’s place in the global rugby league ecosystem is quickly taking shape.

As the sport continues to grow in popularity and visibility, Nigeria and its neighbors could soon become fertile ground for the next generation of stars lighting up stadiums across the world.