Thirteen-year-old Emmanuella Nworu has big dreams of succeeding in rugby. She challenges expectations by excelling in a sport traditionally seen as physically demanding for females.
Residing in Asaba, Delta State, the teen is determined to conquer the rugby world with her outstanding skills and strong resolve.
She tells PUNCH Sports Extra shares how she got into rugby at 10 years old, introduced to the sport by a classmate.
“She was my classmate and she was always talking about rugby and she made it seem so exciting; that was how I decided to join,” Nworu told PUNCH Sports Extra.
She initially tried a less popular sport in Nigeria, hockey.
“I tried hockey first before baseball, and I really liked it but I love baseball more, it is a very exciting and fast sport,” she said.
Despite her young age, Nworu’s commitment to Rugby has never wavered, as she tells PUNCH Sports Extra she has never considered quitting the sport.
“I love rugby, it’s something I enjoy doing, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete and improve,” Nworu said.
“My parents were in support right from the beginning, my entire family supports me so I have always been able to manage any challenges.”
She attends Zappa Basic Secondary School in Asaba, where she is in Senior Secondary School 2.
Balancing her academic responsibilities with rugby hasn’t been easy, but she remains determined to excel in both areas of her life.
“Yeah, it’s kind of hard, especially during exams, when I have to study.
“But I always make time to practice, because in anything you want to do, it’s all about finding the right balance.”
Despite the challenges, the wing forward’s hard work and dedication have paid off. Her proudest moment came when she scored a try, a touchdown that earned five points.
“It was at a competition in Asaba when I was still less than a year playing rugby,” she said.
“I was so overjoyed and every time I score it feels like the very first time because it is very hard to score.”
In total, she has earned four medals, three gold and one bronze. She won a gold medal at a U-15 competition in Asaba and two more at regional-friendly competitions.
However, the bronze medal came at the largest competition she participated in, the Women’s Rugby Championship in Asaba in July 2023, while representing the Delta State Team A despite still being a pre-teen then.
Nworu’s love for the game is so deep that her saddest moment is when she is unable to play.
“I am very sad whenever I am not feeling well and I am not able to get in the team.
“I usually feel like my place is at stake if I am sick and when my other teammates are playing and I am not with them, it hurts me a lot.”
Nworu discussed her dream to become a rugby star player like her role model, Portia Woodman, who plays for New Zealand and has achieved success in various rugby championships.
“My dream is to become a star player in rugby because I have a lot of passion for the sport, I want to be like Portia Woodman and win a lot of world titles and individual awards too.
Born in 2011, Nworu became 13 just two months ago on January 20.
Her coach, Emmanuel Chibundu, has played a key role in helping her grow as a rugby player.
From their first meeting, Chibundu saw potential in Nworu and has been impressed by her commitment and love for the game.
“She was very quick when I first met her and had a positive attitude towards learning. With this positive attitude, I decided to work quickly on her and the result is already showing.
“She has that adrenaline, she’s hardworking, passionate and focused on achieving results.”
Chibundu also said, “She is grounded and very versatile. Her greatest talents are her strength and speed, and despite being very young, she is very brave on the field. So, I think she can go far with more physical and mental growth.”
As Nworu continues her journey in the world of rugby, her dreams remain as ambitious as ever. With her talent, determination and strong passion, she will certainly continue to pursue her great dreams with all her strength.
