The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has unveiled the official squad for the Lady Stallions Sevens set to compete in the African Games 2023.
The finalized roster includes nine home-based and six foreign based players, highlighting the depth and diversity of talent within the Nigerian rugby community.
Leading the charge are standout athletes such as Augustar Efe and Becky Okitikpe from Edo Rugby Club alongside Aladeyelu Blessing and Umude Blessing representing Eco 11 and Delta Rugby Club, respectively.
Joining the squad from abroad are seasoned players including Precious Felix from Lion’s Women’s Rugby Club in South Africa, Fedelia Omoghan, Glory Ezeude, and Ada Okonkwo hailing from Canada, while Achele Agada brings her expertise from the UK.
Coach Steve Lewis will lead the team in Ghana, to be assisted by Coach Jeremiah Egbuwe and the team will be managed by the General Manager; Azeez Ladipo.
“It will be an historic and proud moment when these Nigerian rugby women represent their country in international competition for the first time. Let’s get to work!” Steve Lewis said.
“We are really excited as a Federation to restart our women’s sevens rugby program and test the work that we have done throughout the years and more recently, the hard work by these ladies in camp,” Azeez Ladipo said.
Also speaking, President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation; NRFF says “With this formidable lineup, Nigeria aims to make a strong impression on the African stage, and set to unleash the country’s growing prowess in Women’s rugby.”
The team will depart Nigeria alongside Team Nigeria Batch B on the 11th of March. The All Africa Games Rugby event will be held from the 18th – 21st of March at the newly built Rugby Stadium in the University of Ghana, Accra.
Nigeria Women’s 7s Final Team List:
Iyoha Success – Edo RFC
Becky Okitikpe – Edo RFC
Perpetua Mmanma – Eco 11 RFC
Blessing Umude – Delta RFC
Augustar Efe – Edo RFC
Chinaza Abbah – Edo RFC
Akinade Rukayat – Gosar RFC
Aladeyelu Blessing – Eco 11 RFC
Akhihiero Pedro Vera – Edo RFC
Precious Felix – Lions Women, SA
Fedelia Omoghan – Ontario Ospreys, Canada
Glory Ezeude – Oshawa Vikings, Canada
Ada Okonkwo – RLBC, Canada
Achele Agada – Harrogate Ladies RUFC, UK
Roseline Okpara – Berkeley All Blues, USA
