NRFF Unveils Stallions Sevens Squad for 2025 Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens in Mauritius
The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has officially announced its 15-man Stallions Sevens squad for the 2025 Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens tournament, set to take place in Mauritius across two weekends, June 26–28 and July 6–8.
The squad features a fresh blend of talent, with seven debutants included, as head coach Steve Lewis steers the team into a new phase of development.
The announcement marks a significant reshuffle, largely driven by injury setbacks. Notably, co-captains Declan Nwachukwu (center) and Olukolade Awobowale (winger) have been ruled out due to injuries, along with former team captain Onoru Jatto.
In their absence, the coaching staff has turned to emerging talent, hoping to build depth and create long-term stability in the team’s structure.
Coach Lewis expressed confidence in the new lineup, stating:
“This is an exciting new squad for Nigeria 7s, with seven debutants eager to make a name for themselves in Mauritius. We’ve had strong performances in recent years, and this tournament offers a great opportunity to develop our depth while still being highly competitive,” he said.
The selected squad includes:
Akpabio Samuel, Dodo Boluwatife, Sam Esukuloh, John (Daniel) Christopher, Richard Adeniyi-Jones, Macaulay Ogheneloyeme, Aniebonam David, Odunlami Oluwadara, Ilube Matthew, Henry-Ajudua Frederick, Etim Gabriel, Obano Oghenesuvwe Osereme, Oliver Lewis, and Anthony John-Oluwatobiloba.
The Stallions will compete in Pool A, grouped with tournament heavyweights Kenya, fast-improving Madagascar, and hosts Mauritius. Meanwhile, Pool B features Uganda, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, and Côte d’Ivoire. Pool C includes Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana, and Algeria. This year’s tournament is expected to be tightly contested, with several nations aiming to secure top placements and vital rankings for future qualifiers.
Preparation for the tournament has been intense. The squad has undergone rigorous training sessions in the lead-up to Mauritius, with particular attention paid to team chemistry and tactical execution in the absence of several key players. International-based players arrived early to ensure full integration ahead of the arrival of domestic squad members.
Coach Lewis emphasized the importance of readiness, saying:
“Our goal is to be fully prepared and firing on all cylinders before the full squad assembles. We want to be at our best for the tournament and give these young players the platform to shine.”
The 2025 edition of the Africa Men’s Sevens not only serves as a continental championship but also as a strategic stepping stone toward Olympic and World Cup qualifiers. For Nigeria, the squad announcement represents both a challenge and an opportunity to solidify its standing as a growing force in African rugby.
The Stallions Sevens will now look to make a strong impression in Mauritius, with high hopes pinned on the energy and ambition of their emerging players.
