Nigeria’s Senior National Rugby Team, the Black Stallions, have encountered formidable obstacles during the initial round of the Africa Cup Sevens tournament in Mauritius.
Drawn into a competitive group alongside Kenya, Madagascar, and the hosts Mauritius, and hampered by the absence of key players like Declan Nwachukwu and Olukolade Awobowale, the team struggled to assert themselves.
Black Stallions commenced their campaign against Madagascar, falling 14-36 despite a valiant effort.
In their subsequent match, they confronted Kenya, one of Africa’s top rugby teams, and were defeated 25-0. Their third encounter against Mauritius concluded with a 5-26 loss.
Progressing to the 9th place semi-final, Nigeria secured a 19-5 victory over Tunisia but faltered in the 9th/10th placement match, succumbing to Zambia with a score of 7-22
Following the conclusion of the first leg of the tournament, the President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Dr. Ademola Are, expressed confidence that the Black Stallions would stage a resurgence in the upcoming stages of the competition.
