Nigeria’s national men’s rugby team, the Black Stallions, are gearing up for a challenging journey as they face formidable opponents in the African Men’s Sevens Rugby Olympics 2024 Qualifying Championship.
Set to take place at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe from October 16 to 17, 2023, the tournament will serve as the battleground for teams vying for a coveted spot in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has revealed that the Black Stallions will face off against powerhouse South Africa, along with several other formidable countries including Uganda, Zimbabwe (the host nation), Kenya, Zambia, Madagascar, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Namibia, Algeria, and Cote d’Ivoire. With such tough competition on the horizon, the Nigerian team is fully aware of the immense challenges that lie ahead.
Azeez Ladipo, the General Manager of the NRFF, emphasized the significance of the upcoming championship and the team’s determination to excel. Ladipo expressed, “The championship in Zimbabwe will be tough and we will prepare hard to give it our best shot. At the end of the championship, the winner will qualify for the Paris Olympics, while the second and third-placed teams will join other continents in a tourney organized by the World Rugby Federation to determine their qualification from that level.”
Having achieved an impressive second position in the previous outing in Mauritius, Nigeria’s Black Stallions are eager to build on their success and make their mark on the African rugby scene. With their sights set on securing a place at the prestigious Olympic Games, the team is leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for the upcoming tournament. Intense training sessions and strategic game plans are expected to be key factors in their quest for victory.
As the championship unfolds, fans and supporters can anticipate thrilling matches as the Black Stallions clash against tough opponents on the field. The journey to qualify for the Paris Olympics promises to be an exhilarating one, with only the strongest teams earning the opportunity to represent their country on the global stage. Nigeria’s rugby enthusiasts will be rallying behind the Black Stallions, hoping for a strong showing and a triumphant campaign in Zimbabwe.
