Paris 2024 Olympics: Nigeria Faces Zambia, Kenya, Namibia in Men’s Rugby Qualifiers

The Nigerian senior men national team, Black Stallions have been drawn in Pool B of Africa Men’s Rugby Sevens Olympic qualifiers.

The draw which was conducted Wednesday, sees Black Stallions of Nigeria take on the Shujaa of Kenya, Welwitschias of Namibia and Zambia for a place in the quarter final of the tournament.

The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, NRFF who just returned to the international fold after having been banned by the World Rugby will have their hands full as the men’s senior national team will try to punch above their weight after competing at the pre-Olympic Qualifiers in Mauritius.

The Black Stallions lost in the final to Algeria 24-5 having defeated Ghana 24 -7 in the opening match before beating Burundi 43 -14 and in the last pool match blew apart Congo 43-0

The Coach Steve Lewis led lads thrashed Botswana 33-5 to qualify for the semi final where they met a highly determined Cote D’Ivoire side who also fell to the fire power of the Stallions 20-12

Nigeria which has been placed in a dicey pool, will have to navigate their way out of the group that has two of the strongest rugby playing nations in Africa.

The Kenya rugby Sevens team, fondly called Shujaa, a Swahili word meaning courage, confidence, bravery, or heroism; will be aiming for their third consecutive appearance at the Olympics while Namibia who finished fifth at the last qualifiers will hope to do better this time around just as Zambia, a sleeping giants in African Rugby, will hope to rise from their slumber in a bid to upturn the apple.

The Black Stallions of Nigeria will be aiming for the automatic ticket if they can get their best legs in Europe and America to be part of the team for the qualifiers in Zimbabwe.

The Olympic qualifiers will hold on September 16 and 17 at Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe.

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