Black Stallions Depart for Mauritius as African Rugby Sevens Tournament Kicks Off
Oru Leonard
The President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Dr. Ademola Are, Secretary Oludare Davies, and four home-based players have left Nigeria for Mauritius, the host of the Africa Cup Rugby Sevens tournament.
The players—Christopher Daniel John, Etim Gabriel, Sam Esukuloh Prince, and Akpabio Samuel—along with Secretary Oludare Davies, will join the foreign-based players who have been training in England for the past few weeks.
Led by head coach Steve Lewis, the team has been undergoing rigorous preparation. Lewis emphasized the importance of these sessions, stating, “Our goal is to be fully prepared and address any weaknesses before our Nigeria-based players arrive. We want to be at our best for the tournament.”
The squad for the Africa Cup Sevens has seen several significant changes, notably the absence of co-captains Declan Nwachukwu (center) and Olukolade Awobowale (winger) due to injuries. Former captain Onoru Jatto is also absent, prompting strategic adjustments by the coaching staff.
Despite these challenges, the team remains optimistic and determined. The Black Stallions are in Pool A, competing against strong opponents like Kenya, Madagascar, and host Mauritius. The players are confident in their preparation and abilities.
Pool B features Uganda, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, and Côte d’Ivoire, while Pool C includes Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana, and Algeria. The competition promises to be fierce, with each team bringing unique strengths to the tournament.
