By Akeem Lawal
NIGERIA’S national rugby team, Black Stallions 7s will be back in action at the Safari Sevens Tournament in Kenya from 30th to 31st October, 2021 after a long lay-off.
First-timers Stallion Sevens will battle former champions Kenya Shujaa, giants Germany and Zimbabwe in Pool A at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
The players that departed the shores of the country via the Muritala International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday are David Oyekanmi, David Abomienam, Samuel Ekpo, Azeez Olanrewaju, Benedict Obianuju, Nuhu Ibrahim, Jeremiah Peter, Joseph Girigi, Alex Ukpe, Akpabio Samuel, Sadam Abubakar and Joshua Etim. The team will be tutored by coach Gbenga Adeniran with James Eakyns as Team Manager, while Gerald O is the Physio.
Speaking at the Muritala International Airport before departure, President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, NRFF, Dr. Ademola Are said the Safari Sevens is a tough test for the Stallions given the team hasn't played internationally in a while but it is a necessity and an indication of Nigeria's readiness to return to International Rugby.
Two-time winners Samurai headline Pool B which also comprises South Africa All Stars 7s Academy, Red Wailers and Chipu 7s while Spain, defending champions Kenya Morans, Uganda and KCB make up Pool C.
The top two sides from each pool as well as the best two third placed finishers will advance to the cup quarter finals on Sunday as they seek to lay their hands on the overall title.
The women’s tournament has attracted five teams this year and will be played on a round robin basis. Kenya will field two teams with Zimbabwe, Uganda and South Africa’s Titans Rugby Academy.
No comments:
Post a Comment