Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, Wednesday received the State female rugby team who emerged national champions.

Shaibu congratulated the team and their Head Coach, Williams Ntiense for making Edo State proud at the championship held in Asaba, Delta State. 

 

According to him: "I'm not surprised that the coach, Williams Ntiense won the national rugby championship. I have always known him to be a lover of rugby as far back as when I was the Majority  Leader of Edo State House of Assembly. That was when the rugby game was introduced to Edo State".

 

"We need people like him to be around. If people like us, the lovers of sports, keep putting our best and experiences into play to impact those skills we have learnt on our youths, Nigeria sports will be greater and better for it".

 

"The passion I have for sports endeared me to keep pushing for the good and betterment of our sportsmen and women.".

 

Shaibu however, shared his experiences on how he got injured after a call-up to national duty as a footballer. This singular ugly experience, he said, became one of his reasons for paying so much attention to facilities at the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium to ensure they're always in good condition.

 

He noted that the year 2023 was historic for Edo State sports as "we keep breaking old records and setting new ones at the national level'.

 

"Rugby has come to stay in Edo. I wish you well. I expect many of you players to be signed on by some foreign clubs soon", Shaibu added.

 

Earlier, in his speech, Head Coach of Edo Rugby Team, Williams Ntiense, appreciated the Deputy Governor for his support. 

 

"You've been a father to all sports in Edo State. One of those you've nurtured has come to say a big thank you with national reward".

 

"This is the first time we're having a female rugby in Nigeria and 12 teams competed in the tournament and we won all our matches."

 

"It is not the winning that is the highlight, but the fact that the Edo Rugby Team is going into the Guinness Book of World records soon", he said.

 

"We won all our matches and left records to be broken in this maiden edition of the Nigerian National Rugby."

 

"No team in Nigeria has made this historic feat without the opponent team scoring against you."

 

"Despite their sizes, they showed disciplined throughout the game to maintain the lead to win the trophy and the most valuable player award". He added that two of the   players have been invited to the national team.