Sports
Rugby : Nigeria’s Stallions finish sixth in African Sevens series campaign
NIGERIA’s Stallions finished sixth at the African Men’s Sevens Series in Kampala, Uganda, after a spirited campaign.
The Stallions missed out on fifth place after losing 19–7 to Tunisia in the fifth-place playoff.
Nigeria showed resilience throughout the tournament, recovering from a heavy defeat to Morocco to remain in contention for a higher finish.
The Stallions began Day Two against eventual champions Zimbabwe but lost 26–14.
The defeat was, however, an improvement on Nigeria’s 36–5 loss to Morocco in the opening phase of the tournament.
Nigeria responded strongly against Senegal in the next match.
The encounter, which initially appeared comfortable, became a tense battle as Senegal fought back.
The Stallions worked hard for every point before securing a thrilling 25–22 victory.
The win earned Nigeria a place in the fifth-place playoff against Tunisia.
The playoff was another tough contest, with Tunisia showing greater attacking polish and composure.
Nigeria refused to give up and continued to press, but Tunisia eventually secured a 19–7 victory.
The result left Nigeria in sixth place, one position better than its pre-tournament ranking.
Nigeria’s sixth-place finish came after a campaign that tested the team’s resilience, character and fighting spirit.
In the bronze-medal playoff, Zambia looked set to finish third after scoring three well-worked tries.
Nkhoma Chisanga and double-scorer Edmond Hamayuwa led Zambia’s attack.
Morocco, however, fought back strongly to secure the bronze medal.
Adil Achahbar, Youn Ezzemzami and Billal El Khaoulani scored crucial tries as Morocco edged Zambia 19–17.
In the Cup Final, Zimbabwe defeated hosts Uganda 26–19 to emerge champions.
The victory capped an impressive tournament for Zimbabwe, while Uganda settled for silver after a strong run on home soil.
For Nigeria, the campaign ended with sixth place and an improved standing in African rugby sevens.
Zimbabwe – Champions
Uganda – Runners-up
Morocco – Bronze
The Stallions leave Kampala with a higher tournament standing and another chapter added to Nigeria’s rugby sevens story. (NAN)
M.P
Tags: RUGBY