The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has unveiled its 12-man Stallions Sevens squad to compete in the 2025 Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens Tournament, set for June 21-22 at the Labourdonnais Sports Club in Mauritius.
The team will vie against 11 of Africa’s elite rugby sevens nations for a chance to secure a spot in the prestigious 2025 World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series.
Drawn in Pool B, Nigeria will face formidable opponents South Africa, Burkina Faso, and Zambia in the group stage on June 21. The match schedule (West Africa Time) includes Nigeria vs. South Africa at 7:06 AM, Nigeria vs. Burkina Faso at 9:28 AM, and Nigeria vs. Zambia at 12:12 PM.
The tournament features top teams such as Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Tunisia, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and host Mauritius, promising intense competition.
Head Coach Steve Lewis expressed optimism about the squad’s preparedness after a rigorous two-month training period, which included participation in the Abeokuta Cup 7s, London Floodlit 7s, Summer Socials, and Manor 7s tournaments.
“The players have shown remarkable dedication,” Lewis said. “We’re thrilled to welcome back Declan Nwachukwu and Kolade Adedoyin from injury, alongside dynamic new talents like Joshua Addams, Isa Omale, Tuoyo Egodo, and Akeem Yusuf.”
The squad blends seasoned players with emerging stars. Captain Kitto Oliver will lead with his composed leadership, while Frederick Henry-Ajudua and Oghenesuvwe Obano add physicality. The full roster includes Isa Omale, Matthew Ilube, Kolade Adedoyin, Gabriel John Etim, Joshua Addams, Tuoyo Anthony Egodo, Richard Adeniyi-Jones, Declan Nwachukwu, and Akeem Yusuf, with Michael Ogunwole and John Tobi Anthony as reserves.
The team will finalize preparations at a pre-tournament training camp in London before traveling to Mauritius.
The NRFF extended appreciation to the National Sports Commission, partners, and fans for their unwavering support as the Stallions aim to elevate Nigerian rugby on the continental and global stages.