Four domestic players, along with Secretary Oludare Davies and President Dr. Ademola Are, of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, have left Nigeria for Mauritius, the location of the Africa Cup Rugby Sevens competition.
The players, who have been training in England for the past few weeks, are Sam Esukuloh Prince, Akpabio Samuel, Etim Gabriel, and Christopher Daniel John.
The team has been going through intense training under the direction of head coach Steve Lewis. Lewis said, “Our goal is to be fully prepared and address any weaknesses before our Nigeria-based players arrive,” underscoring the significance of these sessions. In order to compete well,he said, “we want to be at our best.”
There have been a number of notable changes to the Africa Cup Sevens roster, most notably the absence of co-captains Declan Nwachukwu (center) and Olukolade Awobowale (winger) due to injuries. The absence of Onoru Jatto, the former captain, has also forced the coaching staff to make calculated changes.
Regardless of these obstacles, the squad is nonetheless prepared and focused. In Pool A, the Black Stallions are up against formidable foes including host Mauritius, Kenya, and Madagascar. The players have faith in their ability and preparation.
Uganda, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, and Côte d’Ivoire are in Pool B, and Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana, and Algeria are in Pool C. Each squad will offer special strengths to the tournament, making for a competitive competition.
