From Rugby to Rib-Ticklers: Nigerian Players’ Name Game Goes Viral [Video]
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Image: X |
A viral video showcasing Nigerian rugby players sharing their English versus Nigerian names has taken the internet by storm, sparking laughter and cultural pride.
Rugby in Nigeria is a growing sport, with the national team ranked 70th globally by World Rugby, per Wikipedia, though they’ve yet to qualify for a World Cup.
The clip highlights players’ dual identities, a nod to the Nigerian diaspora’s influence—many have emigrated to the UK, where the London Nigerian Rugby Club thrives, according to Wikipedia.
One player’s English name, “Vincent,” paired with his Yoruba name “Oluwavinnie,” had X users joking he might be “adopted,” while another’s Igbo name retention earned praise for cultural pride.
Rugby’s history in Nigeria dates back to British colonial times, initially dominated by expatriates, but it’s now gaining traction among locals, as noted by Wikipedia.
The video’s timing aligns with growing interest in Nigerian sports, following the Super Eagles’ football drama in World Cup qualifiers, where an admin error by South Africa might give Nigeria a boost, per ESPN.
X users are loving the players’ charm, with some surprised to learn rugby is played in Nigeria, a sport often overshadowed by football and athletics in the country, per Britannica.
The lighthearted name reveal adds a fun layer to Nigeria’s rugby scene, which has seen players like those in the video opt to represent their homeland over other nations, according to World Rugby rankings data.
See the video below:
I love this 😁 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/Sd1UoFbGzj
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) March 31, 2025
Source: X
#Rugby
#NigerianName
#EnglishName
#WorldCup
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