The Africa Cup Rugby Sevens event will be held in Mauritius, and four home base players, together with Secretary Oludare Davies and President Dr. Ademola Are, have left Nigeria for the island nation.
The players, who are from outside and have been practicing in England for the past few weeks, are Christopher Daniel John, Etim Gabriel, Sam Esukuloh Prince, and Akpabio Samuel. Also joining them is Secretary Oludare Davies.
The team has been preparing diligently under the direction of head coach Steve Lewis. We want to be fully prepared and take care of any flaws before our Nigeria-based players arrive, Lewis said, underscoring the significance of these meetings. When it comes to the tournament, we want to be our best.
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.