Rugby comeback delayed as the Nigerian Government postpones National Sports Festival Indefinitely

The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in conformity with the directive from Mr. President is postponing the NSP 2020.

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the postponement of the National Sports Festival, Edo 2020 as a precautionary move against COVID-19 spread.

The President’s decision followed the close monitoring and updates on COVID-19 in Nigeria and across the world.

Prior to Mr President’s directive, the Ministry had in consultations with the Federal Ministry of Health and the host of the 20th National Sports Festival – the Edo State Government over the COVID-19 pandemic noted the progress otherwise made towards delivering a world class sporting fiesta as embodied by Edo 2020 and the huge resources so far expended towards hosting the festival.

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic is not presently affecting Nigeria on the scale it is ravaging other countries of the world, the Ministry is however in agreement with these aforementioned critical stakeholders that the wellbeing of our athletes and sports loving Nigerians is of paramount importance. They should be alive and in safe health to keep training and participating in future tournaments.

Rugby 7s, 10s and 15s was ready to return to the NSF after a 10 year absence.

In the interest of safety of Nigerians, the Ministry has therefore postponed the National Sports Festival, Edo 2020, until a later date to be communicated.