By Victor Kanayo
The Nigeria Rugby squad are gradually gearing up for this month’s 2024 Paris Olympic Games pre-qualifier scheduled for Mauritius.
The matches involving 12 countries will happen between June 24 and 25.
To this end, the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation has announced its twelve-man team that will face Ghana, Burundi and DR Congo in pool A of the qualifier.
Nigeria’s head coach Steve Lewis while releasing his list said the team has been in camp, training and playing together for some weeks
He said, “Congratulations to the players selected to re-launch Nigeria rugby into the international arena in Mauritius. For this tournament, players have been drawn primarily from the UK-based Nigerian Exiles team who have been competing regularly against top-class opposition this summer.
“For the longer term growth of Nigerian rugby, the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation intends to re-establish domestic competitions in order to develop domestic talents and grow the game in Nigeria, as well as incorporating those Nigerian players in the diaspora, be it the UK, the US or elsewhere. I am confident these men will acquit themselves well and represent Nigeria Rugby proudly.”
According to him, the team consists of players drawn from the UK, USA and Nigeria.
Mauritania, Botswana, Lesotho and Algeria are in pool B of the competition, Senegal, Cameroon, Egypt and Cote d’ivoire make up pool C.
Top three teams will qualify to compete in the Africa Cup Sevens in Zimbabwe later in September.
