Nigeria national rugby union team

The Nigeria national rugby union team represent Nigeria in men's international rugby union. Nigeria have thus far not qualified for a Rugby World Cup, but have competed in qualifying tournaments. Nigeria played their first international against Zimbabwe on 1 August 1987, losing by 111-12 in Nairobi. Their greatest success has been in the 2013 Africa Cup, where they beat Mauritius 63-3 in group 1C.

Not to be confused with Niger national rugby union team.

Nigeria
Nickname(s)Black Stallions
UnionNigeria Rugby Football Federation
Head coachGavin Hogg
CaptainDavid Akinluyi
World Rugby ranking
Current69 (as of 23 November 2020)
First international
 Nigeria 12–111 Zimbabwe 
(1 August 1987)
Biggest win
 Nigeria 63–3 Mauritius 
(23 June 2013)
Biggest defeat
 Nigeria 12-111 Zimbabwe 
(1 August 1987)

Nigeria tried to qualify for the first time for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, but lost to Senegal (6-48) and Cameroon (8-18), and were eliminated. They also missed the presence at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, after losing to Cameroon (6-26), in the pre-qualifier.

Nigeria 15-A-Side

Nigeria are currently in the Africa Bronze Cup (Division 1C) and will participate in this tournament again in 2017.

Nigeria Squad for the 2012 Africa Cup
  • Michael Adeniya (Westcombe Park, England)
  • David Akinluyi (Old Olavians, England)
  • Emmanuel Akinluyi (Cambridge University, England)
  • Emmanuel Ayewe (Racing RFC, Lagos, Nigeria)
  • Jace Hair (Basketball Legend, Moss Bluff Louisiana)
  • Eseoghene Enajerow (Warri RFC, Warri, Nigeria)
  • Udochukwu Eze (Police RFC, Nigeria)
  • Nsa Harrison (Staines RFC, England)
  • Nuhu Ibrahim (Barewa RFC, Kano, Nigeria)
  • Adedoyin Layade (Sedgley Park, England)
  • Tiwaloluwa Obisesan (GRavesend RFC, England)
  • Shola Odele (Kaduna RFC, Kaduna, Nigeria)
  • Felix Ogbole (Kaduna RFC, Kaduna, Nigeria)
  • Temitope Okenla (Gravesend RFC, England)
  • Craig Olugbode (Gateshead Thunder RL, England)
  • Chukwuma Osazuwa (Gravesend RFC, England)
  • Ali Shelleng (London Nigerian, England)
  • Yemi Ibidunni (Old Dartfordians, England)
  • Ivan Stevenson
  • Francis Ugwu (Manchester Medics, England)
  • Inam Jay Udo-Udoma (Blackheath and Ruislip, England)
  • Ejike Uzoigbe (Worthing, England)
  • Obi Wilson (Barewa RFC, Kano, Nigeria) 1984.09.24
  • Samson Yahayah (Police RFC)

Head Coach: Steven Lewis (New York Blues, USA), Manager: Mark Dean (Samurai International RFC), Physio: Emma Mark (Esher RFC, England)

Nigeria Squad for the 2013 Africa Cup
  • Adam Aigbokhae (Gravesend RFC, England)
  • David Akinluyi (Old Olavians, England)
  • Emmanuel Akinluyi (Cambridge University, England)
  • John Kura (Racing Club, Lagos, Nigeria)
  • Olawale Doherty (Richmond FC, England)
  • Usani Ewah (Dallas Harlequins, USA)
  • Abdulasmad Abdullahi (Nigeria)
  • Olayemi Lawal (London Nigerian RFC, England)
  • Nuhu Ibrahim (Barewa RFC, Kano, Nigeria)
  • Adedoyin Layade (Sedgley Park, England)
  • Tiwaloluwa Obisesan (Canterbury RFC, England)
  • Ayo Salau (Aston University, England)
  • Omotohunola Odulaja (Loughborough University, England)
  • Temitope Okenla (Gravesend RFC, England)
  • Olisa Ufodiama (London Nigerian RFC, England)
  • Chukwuma Osazuwa (Gravesend RFC, England)
  • Moyo Osinibi (Old Alleynian RFC, England)
  • Moshope Osinibi (Old Alleynian RFC, England)
  • Tan Mbonu (Enfield Ignatians RFC, England)
  • Francis Ugwu (Old Midwhitgiftian RFC, England)
  • Inam Jay Udo-Udoma (Barking, England)
  • Obi Wilson (Barewa RFC, Kano, Nigeria)
  • Gbade Adewola (Cardiff University, Wales)
  • Samson Yahayah (Police RFC, Nigeria)

Head Coach: Gavin Hogg (Bury St Edmunds RFC, England), Manager: Mark Dean (Samurai International RFC), Physio: Emma Mark (Esher RFC, England)

[1]

Nigeria Squad for the 2014 Africa Cup 1C in Garborone, Botswana
  • Azeez Ladipo (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Bassey Sunday (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Samuel Olatunde Joseph (Royal Stallions RFC, Ilorin)
  • Musa Ibrahim Suaibu (Kaduna RFC, Nigeria)
  • Ogbole Felix Gabriel (Kaduna RFC, Nigeria)
  • Alaeto Obinna Festus (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Solomon Friday (Sabongeri RFC, Nigeria)
  • Sani Isaac (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Olanrewaju Azeez Abiodun (Nigeria Police RFC, Nigeria)
  • Yakubu Abubakar (Sabongeri RFC, Nigeria)
  • Godwin Emmanuel Chibundu (Delta RFC, NIgeria)
  • Ayinla Hafis Adedamola (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Zaria Isa A (DRC PHOENIX, Gronegen, Holland)
  • Bakare Ramon Ishola (Nigeria Police RFC, Nigeria)
  • Peter Okere Ambrose (Jos RFC, Nigeria)
  • Samson Yahaya Didam (Nigeria Police RFC, Nigeria)
  • Oyeyemi Yusuf Olatunji (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Dinobi Chiedozie Nzubechukwuka (Cobham Rugby Club, UK)
  • Ogar Christian Innocent (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Enajeroh Eseoghene (Warri RFC, Nigeria)
  • Olawale Oladipo Michael (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Oyebola Sulyman Olawale (Nigeria Police RFC, Nigeria)

Manager: Dele Coker, Assistant Coaches: Richard Raphael (Kaduna RFC), Ofoha Joseph (Cowrie RFC) [2]

Nigeria Squad for the 2015 Africa Cup 1C in Lusaka, Zambia
  • Azeez Ladipo (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Bassey Sunday (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Emmanuel Ayewe (Racing RFC, Nigeria)
  • Emmanuel Bamidele Samuel (Plateau Tigers RFC, Nigeria)
  • Francis Akeju (Plateau Tigers RFC, Nigeria)
  • Emmanuel Godwin (Delta RFC, Nigeria)
  • Sodiq Oduola (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Sani Isaac (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Olanrewaju Azeez Abiodun (Nigeria Police RFC, Nigeria)
  • Adebayo Odumosu-Jones (Lagos RFC, Nigeria)
  • Godwin Emmanuel Chibundu (Delta RFC, NIgeria)
  • Ayinla Hafis Adedamola (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Leslie Ikenna Ume (Scarborough RFC, UK)
  • Nuhu Ibrahim Samaila (Barewa RFC, Kano)
  • Obi Izuchukwu Wilson (Barewa RFC, Kano)
  • Samson Yahaya Didam (Nigeria Police RFC, Nigeria)
  • Sammuel Ekpo (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Chijioke Thomas Emmanuel (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Ogar Christian Innocent (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Ugwu Francis Michael (Nigeria Exiles RFC, UK)
  • Peter Okere Ambrose (Plateau Tigers RFC, Nigeria)
  • Halilu Sani (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Jatto Onoru-Oyiza Jude (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Adeniran Gbenga Hammed (Cosar RFC, Nigeria)

Manager: Fabian Juries, Team Doctor/Physio: Bukola Bojuwoye [3]

Nigeria Squad for the 2016 Africa Cup 1C in Casablanca, Morocco
  • Azeez Ladipo (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Francis Akeju (Plateau Tigers RFC, Nigeria)
  • Jatto Onoru Oyiza (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • John oladele (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Francis Akeju (Plateau Tigers RFC, Nigeria)
  • Alfred Oche (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Sodiq Oduola (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Sani Isaac (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Isa Hassan (Kaduna RFC, Nigeria)
  • Okafor ThankgGod (Sharks RFC, South Africa)
  • Iheme Chidera (Plateau Tigers RFC, NIgeria)
  • Ayinla Hafis Adedamola (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Obinna Alaeto (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Oladipo Olawale (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • Obi Izuchukwu Wilson (Barewa RFC, Kano)
  • Aniedi George (Nigeria Police RFC, Nigeria)
  • Victor Afam (Nigeria Police RFC, Nigeria)
  • Peter Ambrose Okere (Plateau Tigers RFC, Nigeria)
  • Ogar Christian Innocent (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
  • John Kura (Racing RFC, UK)
  • Yannick Mukoro (EkoII RFC, Nigeria)
  • Samaila Agwam (Kaduna RFC, Nigeria)
  • Monday omoragieva (Racing RFC, Nigeria)

Manager: Fabian Juries, Assistant Coach: Joseph Ofoha/Richard Raphael, Team Doctor/Physio: Bukola Bojuwoye [4]

Test Match Record

[5]

Team Mat Won Lost Draw % For Aga Diff
 Benin3300100.00+
 Botswana10100.00+
 Burkina Faso10100.00-
 Cameroon20200.000+
 Ghana540175.000+
 Ivory Coast20200.00-
 Kenya10100.00+
 Madagascar10100.00-
 Malaysia10100.00-
 Mali211050.00-
 Mauritius422050.00+
 Morocco202000.000-
 Senegal211050.00-
 Swaziland1100100.00+
 Togo320175.00-
 Zambia211050.00+
 Zimbabwe101000.00-
Total   0.00  -

World Rugby Ranking

Nigeria are currently ranked 73rd in the world by World Rugby (15 April 2015) Their previous ranking was 81st in the world prior to the 2014 Africa Nations Cup 1C http://www.worldrugby.org/rankings

World Cup record
  • 1987 (New Zealand) - No Qualifying Tournament Held
  • 1991 (England) - Did Not Enter
  • 2003 (Australia) - Did Not Enter
  • 2007 (France) - Did Not Enter
  • 2011 (New Zealand) - Did Not Qualify
  • 2015 (England) - Did Not Qualify
  • 2019 (Japan) - Did Not Qualify
  • 2023 (France) -

NIgeria Rugby Statistics as at December, 2014

Games Played 23 Games Won 8 Games Lost 13 Games Drawn 2 Longest Winning Streak 4 Longest Losing Streak 6 Teams Played 15 Teams Beaten 6 Teams Beaten By 11 Teams Drawn With 2 Grounds Played At1 Largest Points For 61 Largest Points Against 111 Largest Winning Margin 51 Largest Losing Margin-99 Total Points For 375 Avg Points For 16.3 Total Points Against 549 Avg Points Against 23.87 Total Points Difference -174 Avg Points Difference -7.57

Nigeria 7-A-Side

Nigeria participated in the C.A.R (Confederation of Africaine Rugby) in Marrakesh, Morocco on 24–25 September 2011. In the pool stages they defeated Senegal and Burkina Faso but were beaten by hosts Morocco, however they still progressed to the semi finals where they were to face regular IRB participants, Tunisia. Nigeria were beaten in the semi finals by a very experienced Tunisian team, however pride was restored in the 3rd/ 4th place playoff against Ivory Coast, where they came from behind in the second half to force the game into sudden death extra time where a last minute try by Craig Olugbode gave the victory to the Nigerian team. This meant Nigeria qualified for the All Africa 7s tournament in September 2012 which was the African regional ranking and qualifying tournament for the Rugby World Cup 7s in Russia in 2013.

In the African regional RWC 7s qualifier held again in Morocco on 29 and 30 September 2012 the Nigeria 7s team finished third overall and just missed out on RWC qualification. Failure to beat Madagascar in the group game despite dominating the match meant that Nigeria would play tournament favourites Zimbabwe in the semi final rather than Tunisia. Nigeria lost 19-14 and Zimbabwe went on to beat Tunisia 31-7 in the final. Nigeria had the chance to redeem themselves however and beat Madagascar 20-12 in the 3rd/4th place playoff leaving them 5th ranked in Africa and the 3rd ranked African Commonwealth member.

Nigeria 7s qualified to participate at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland. They were drawn alongside Canada, hosts Scotland and all-time Commonwealth champions Newzealand but the team was shockingly withdrawn by the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) without clarifications as to why such a decision was made. A decision which according to IRB’s Mark Egan "Is disappointing for the Nigerian rugby team and their Rugby Union. There is a chance to get going with their Rugby 7s surge as the team will be competing at the Africa Men 7s in September 2014 in Kenya with the likes of South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Madagascar, Tunisia, Morocco, Ivory Coast and Zambia."

The team finished in eight place at The Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens Olympic Qualifiers at the Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park, Johannesburg on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th of November, 2015. injuries and knocks to five members of the team affected their overall performance as captain; Azeez Ladipo injured his shoulder in the early minutes of the first game and they managed him through some matches. Nuhu Samaila, Ike Onwukanjo, Onyinye Onwukanjo, Hafis Ayinla; were also injured leaving the team with one substitute in the last two matches. Coach Fabian Juries explained that the team improved from their 2014 outing where they placed eleventh and says there is room for more improvement. “We set a quarter final target and the boys met it but going forward, we need to work on strength and conditioning of the team and ensure they play together in more tournaments”.

Nigeria 7-A-Side Squad For Africa Cup 7s (Rio Olympic Qualifiers) 2015
  • Azeez Ladipo (Cowrie RFC)
  • Danjuma Mshelia (Richmond RFC)
  • Ayinla Hafis Adedamola (Cowrie RFC)
  • Omotohunola Odulaja (Loughborough University)
  • Joseph Ayo Mogaji (Dorking RFC)
  • Ikechukwu Onwukanjo (University of Buffalo RFC)
  • Onyinye Onwukanjo (Davenport University Rugby)
  • Ogar Christian Innocent (Cowrie RFC)
  • Nuhu Samaila (Barewa RFC)
  • Samuel Ekpo (Cowrie RFC)
  • Onoru-Oyiza Jatto (Cowrie RFC)
  • Alfred Ocheme (Plateau Tigers RFC)

Coach: Fabian Juries. Technical Adviser: Dele Coker, Physio: Ingomar Kruger, Doctor: Bukola Bojuwoye

Nigeria 7-A-Side Squad For Africa Cup 7s 2014
  • Lasisi kazeem (Nigeria Police RFC)
  • Olanrewaju Azeez Abiodun (Nigeria Police RFC)
  • Ayinla Hafis Adedamola (Cowrie RFC)
  • Ladipo Azeez Olaitan (Cowrie RFC
  • Peter Okere Ambrose (Jos RFC)
  • Salihu Abdulmalik (Nigeria Police RFC)
  • Oduntan Olatunji (Cowrie RFC)
  • Ogar Christian Innocent (Cowrie RFC)
  • Oladele John Siminuoluwa (Cowrie RFC)
  • Abubakar Sadam (Zarie RFC)
  • Lawal -Saulawa Isah (Abuja RFC)

Coach: Fabian Juries. Technical Adviser: Dele Coker

Nigeria 7-A-Side Squad For Africa Cup 7s 2013
  • David Akinluyi (Old Mid-Whitgiftian RFC)
  • Emmanuel Akinluyi (Old Mid-Whitgiftian RFC)
  • Aristide Goualin (Old Priorians RFC)
  • Chukwuma Osazuwa (Heriots RFC)
  • Temitope Okenla (Old Mid-Whitgiftian RFC)
  • Ben Adubi (Old Priorians RFC)
  • James Doherty (Richmond FC)
  • Ovie Koloko (Blackheath FC)
  • Paul Olima (Civil Service RFC)
  • DJ Mshelia (Old Blues RFC)
  • Nd Monye (Unattached)
  • Peter Cole (Tynedale RFC)

Coach: Sam Howard (Dulwich College), Manager: Mark Dean (Samurai International RFC), Physio: Emma Mark (Esher RFC)

Nigeria 7-A-Side Squad For RWC Qualifier 2012
  • William Sharp (Hull RL)
  • Robert Worrincy (Halifax RL)
  • David Akinluyi (Unattached)
  • Emmanuel Akinluyi (University of Cambridge)
  • Mark Olugbode (Westoe RFC)
  • Joseph Mbu (Racing Club)
  • Nuhu Ibrahim
  • Ejike Uzoigwe (Stourbridge RFC)
  • Kene Ejikeme (Unattached)
  • Aristide Goualin (Old Priorians RFC)
  • Chukwuma Osazuwa (Heriots RFC)
  • Temitope Okenla (Old Mid-Whitgiftian RFC)

Coach: Steve Lewis (New York Blues), Manager: Mark Dean (Samurai International RFC), Physio: Emma Mark (Esher RFC)

Nigeria 7-A-Side Squad For 2011
  • David Akinluyi (Unattached)
  • Emmanuel Akinluyi (University of Cambridge)
  • Samuel Akinluyi (Westcombe Park RFC)
  • Craig Olugbode (Westoe RFC)
  • Joseph Mbu (Racing Club)
  • Ubaka Onyekwelu (Chichester University)
  • Martin Olima (Blackheath FC)
  • Jay Udo-Udoma (Blackheath FC)
  • Aristide Goualin (Old Priorians RFC)
  • Chukwuma Osazuwa (Heriots RFC)
  • James Doherty (Richmond FC)
  • Adedoyin Layade (Unattached)

Manager: Mark Dean (Samurai International RFC), Physio: Emma Mark (Esher RFC)

Nigerian players representing other nations

There have been a large number of Nigerian born or eligible players who have, for a variety of reasons, opted to play for another nation.

These include:

See also

References
  1. http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/nigerianexiles7s/news/nigeria-squad-announced-for-ivory-coast-968736.html
  2. http://eyeonthesports.com/nigeria-overpower-swaziland-african-rugby-tourney/
  3. http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/06/nrff-president-upbeat-as-black-stallions-depart-for-zambia/
  4. http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/06/nrff-president-upbeat-as-black-stallions-depart-for-zambia/
  5. http://www.rugbydata.com/nigeria/gamesplayed
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