Nigeria’s Stallions closed their 2025 Africa Men’s Sevens campaign on a high, defeating regional rivals Ghana 19–12 in their final match to secure a commendable 7th-place finish.
The fixture, dubbed the “Jollof Derby”, carried added significance beyond the pitch, pitting two West African neighbours against each other in a spirited contest laced with long-standing friendly rivalry.
It was a fitting end to a tournament that showcased both the progress and potential of Nigerian rugby.
From an 11th-place finish in the previous edition to a top-eight placing this year, the Stallions showed clear signs of development under pressure.
Nigeria’s campaign began with a difficult opener against tournament favourites South Africa, where a 17–5 defeat tested the team’s defensive mettle.
Despite the result, the Stallions were lauded for their organisation and commitment.
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They bounced back emphatically in their second outing, dispatching Burkina Faso 29–12 in a dominant display that reignited hopes of a strong finish.
A narrow 14–7 loss to Zambia followed, in one of the most tightly contested matches of the group stage. The result left Nigeria just short of a knockout-stage seeding, but not short of belief.
Nigeria’s Stallions at the Africa Men’s Sevens. Photo Credit: Nigerian Rugby Federation
In the quarterfinals, the Stallions faced Kenya’s Shujaa, a seasoned African rugby powerhouse. Despite missing key players through injury, Nigeria put up a determined fight but ultimately fell 43–12 to the Kenyans.
A return clash with Zambia in the placement round offered a chance for redemption. Though the Stallions produced one of their most complete performances of the tournament, they again came up just short, losing 26–22 in a pulsating encounter.
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The final match against Ghana was more than a classification fixture—it was about regional pride and a symbolic rivalry. With both teams keen to end on a high, it was Nigeria who rose to the occasion.
Nigeria’s Stallions at the Africa Men’s Sevens. Photo Credit: Nigerian Rugby Federation
The Stallions were composed in defence, clinical in transition, and creative in attack, edging out the Leopards 19–12 to close their tournament on a victorious note.
With momentum now building and performances improving, the challenge for Nigeria’s Rugby Football Federation will be translating short-term gains into long-term systems.
