Nigerian Princess Selected for World Rugby Leadership Programme

Princess Ugonwaezeh-Agugo, 37, from Adazi-Nnukwu, Anambra State, Nigeria, joins a select group of individuals chosen globally, with only four selected from Africa.

World Rugby proudly announces the selection of Nigerian Princess Alban Ugonwaezeh-Agugo for the prestigious Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Programme for 2024 and 2025. This groundbreaking initiative aims to elevate female leaders within the rugby community and accelerate the development of the women's and girls' game, leading up to the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

Princess Ugonwaezeh-Agugo, 37, from Adazi-Nnukwu, Anambra State, Nigeria, joins a select group of individuals chosen globally, with only four selected from Africa. Alongside her are Ingrid Sibusisiwe Mangcu from South Africa, Nour Khaled from Tunisia, and Menna Sedky from Egypt.

Participants in the programme will receive top-tier learning opportunities through Capgemini University, paired with mentors appointed by World Rugby and Capgemini coaches. Additionally, they are eligible for a discretionary grant of up to £5,000 to support their development and learning.

Expressing her excitement, Princess Ugonwaezeh-Agugo stated, "This is a significant achievement for Nigeria, and it will help inspire other women to reach for the sky. I am really excited about this program because it means so much to me and for the growth of the game in my locality and Nigeria at large."

Earlier this year, Princess Ugonwaezeh-Agugo received a scholarship from Rugby Africa to study Sports Management at the Lunex University of Luxembourg, marking a historic moment for Nigerian rugby. Under the leadership of Dr. Ademola Are, the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) is paving the way for greater female participation in the sport, fostering the next generation of female leaders.

Princess Ugonwaezeh-Agugo's selection underscores Nigeria's potential to produce world-class talent and leaders in rugby. As she prepares to embark on this journey, the nation watches with pride and anticipation, eager to see her positive impact on the global stage and back home.