The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has unveiled a 12-man squad, known as the
Black Stallions, who will represent the country in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games
qualifiers to be held in Mauritius this month.
Steve Lewis, the recently appointed coach of the Black Stallions, expressed his
congratulations to the selected players for their inclusion in the team. He recognized their
status as stars who would lead Nigeria back onto the international rugby stage in Mauritius.
Lewis noted that the majority of the players were drawn from the UK-based Nigerian Exiles team, which had been competing against top-class opposition throughout the summer.
Lewis also mentioned the NRFF’s plans to revive domestic competitions within Nigeria to
foster the development of local talent and promote the growth of the game. Additionally, the federation aims to incorporate Nigerian players based in the UK, the US, or other overseas countries.
The coach expressed confidence in the abilities of the selected players, believing they would represent Nigeria Rugby with pride. He highlighted the multinational composition of the team, comprising players from the UK, US, and Nigeria.
Furthermore, Lewis outlined the significance of the Paris Olympic Games qualifiers, as the
top three teams in the tournament would secure qualification for the Africa Cup Sevens,
scheduled to take place in Zimbabwe later in September.
The 12 players chosen for the Black Stallions’ squad are Aniebonam David Kosisochukwu
(Wimbledon RFC), Awobowale Olukolade Mobolaji (Stallions RFC), Esiri Aaron, Asher
Chinedu (Bournvile RFC), Etim Gabriel John (Barewa RFC, Kano), Goualin Pierre Henri (Old Priorians RFC), Henrry-Ajudua Chukwuyem Frederick (Atlanta Major League Rugby), Ilube Matthew Maurice (Old Priorians RFC), Jatto Onoru-Oyiza (Cowrie RFC, Lagos), Lipede Adenekan Jojoola (Old Colfeians RFC), Nwachukwu Declan Chinedu (Horsham RFC), Odunlami Oluwadara Olufewa (University of Bath RFC), and Onyeahasi Alexander George (Clifton RFC).
The NRFF also announced the appointment of Sani Mohammed as the team’s
secretary-general, while Azeez Ladipo will serve as the general manager.
With this squad representing Nigeria, the NRFF and the Black Stallions aim to make a strong impact in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers, hoping to secure a place in the
prestigious Africa Cup Sevens and further elevate the status of rugby within the country.
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