The Nigeria Rugby Federation has unveiled new kits for the national team, the Stallions, ahead of their participation in the 2025 Rugby Africa men’s Sevens Series, slated to take place in Mauritius from June 21st to 22nd. The kits, manufactured by English sportswear company Umbro, come in two variations: a predominantly green home strip with black accents on the neckline, and an all-white away strip featuring green detailing on the sleeve cuffs. Both versions aim to provide a distinctive and stylish appearance for the Nigerian team on the field and are available for purchase on Umbro’s website for £90, equivalent to approximately N188,100. The release of the new kits marks a significant step for the Nigerian team as they prepare for the crucial tournament in Mauritius.
The Rugby Africa men’s Sevens Series is a highly competitive tournament featuring the top rugby-playing nations on the continent. For Nigeria, the competition serves as a pathway to the prestigious 2025 World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series, with the tournament winner securing a coveted spot. The Stallions have been drawn into Pool B, where they will face formidable opponents including South Africa, Burkina Faso, and Zambia. Navigating this challenging group stage will be crucial for Nigeria’s hopes of progressing in the tournament and ultimately achieving their goal of qualifying for the Challenger Series.
The Nigerian Rugby Football Federation has announced a 12-man squad for the tournament, led by captain Kitto Oliver. The squad comprises a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, reflecting the federation’s commitment to building a strong and competitive national team. Joining Oliver in the squad are Kolade Adedoyin, Gabriel John Etim, Matthew Ilube, Joshua Addams, Tuoyo Anthony Egodo, Oghenesuvwe Obano, Frederick Henry-Ajudua, Richard Adeniyi-Jones, Declan Nwachukwu, Isa Omale, and Akeem Yusuf. The team also has two reserve players, Michael Ogunwole and John Tobi Anthony, who will be ready to step in if required.
The team will be under the guidance of coach Steve Lewis, who will be tasked with formulating and implementing the game plan for the tournament. Facing tough competition from 11 other African nations, including powerhouses like Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and hosts Mauritius, Lewis and his team will need to be at their tactical best. The tournament promises to be a test of skill, strategy, and resilience, with each match presenting a unique challenge. For Nigeria, success will depend on their ability to perform consistently at a high level and overcome the hurdles presented by their opponents.
The 2025 Rugby Africa men’s Sevens Series represents a significant opportunity for Nigerian rugby. Qualifying for the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series would be a major achievement, providing valuable exposure and experience on the international stage. Furthermore, a strong performance in Mauritius could boost the sport’s popularity within Nigeria, inspiring a new generation of rugby players and further developing the game’s infrastructure. The tournament is not just about winning; it’s about showcasing the talent and potential of Nigerian rugby to the wider world.
The new kits, the carefully selected squad, and the experienced coaching staff all point to a determined effort by the Nigeria Rugby Federation to make a mark in the 2025 Rugby Africa men’s Sevens Series. As they prepare for the challenge ahead, the Stallions carry the hopes and expectations of a nation eager to see them succeed on the international stage. The tournament in Mauritius promises to be an exciting spectacle of rugby, and Nigeria will undoubtedly be aiming to play a prominent role in the proceedings. Their journey towards the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series begins in Mauritius, and the team is ready to give their all in pursuit of this ambitious goal.
