Lady Stallions  Aim for Strong Showing at African Games, Departs March 11

The Nigerian senior women's national team, the Lady Stallions, is aiming for a strong performance at the African Games as the team prepares to depart on March 11 with Batch B.

The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has announced the official squad for the Lady Stallions who will be competing in the All Africa Games 2024.

The finalised 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 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. Lets 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 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 hold from the 18th - 21st of March at the newly built Rugby Stadium in the University of Ghana, Accra.  

The 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