Nigeria’s men’s rugby national team, Stallions will be all out for a revival of fortune early on Sunday, as they go out against Tunisia in their third match at the World Rugby SVNS 3 Africa Qualifiers in Kampala, Uganda, whre they won their first game on Saturday but lost the second later on.
Sports247 reports that the need for the Stallions to seek a revival on Sunday is due to their second game on Saturday, which they lost 36-5 to Morocco in a hugely one-sided encounter, but it came after the Nigerians got an impressive 28-5 victory over Black Eagles of Ghana.
As the Stallions battle Tunisia early on Sunday, they will aim to replicate the same intensity, pace and relentless pressure that saw them overcome Ghana, as the Nigerians immediately took the game to their West Coast neighbours, denying them time to settle into the match.
They will also have at the back of their mind that victory is of the premium to ensure they get into the afternoon session’s semi-finals as well as the final later on also on Sunday, both of which would be possible only if they romp strong to defeat the Tunisians in their third group match.
With the Stallions having converted their dominance against the Ghanaians into a haul of points, while producing a high-octane performance that saw them run out comfortable winners, they will get more confidence from knowing that Tunisia fell 10-7 to Zambia in their first game.
The Tunisians also lost 26-10 to hosts, Uganda, who reached the semi-finals with two wins, along with Zimbabwe, who also defeated Morocco 19-12 and Ghana 40-17, while Zambia moved into the next stage after defeating Tunisia 10-7 and Senegal 17-14, thereby leaving only one slot remaining.
Nigeria will now contend with Ghana, Tunisia, Senegal and Morocco in placement matches on Day 2 at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds in Kampala, where only one country will qualify as Africa’s representative for the 2027 World Rugby SVNS 3 championship.
Sunday’s opening game will help Nigeria get back into the scheme of things and seek to build momentum, as they battle hard to make a strong statement in Kampala and pick a spot at the forthcoming global championship, for which a lone slot is on offer in the Ugandan capital.
DAY ONE RESULTS
Nigeria 28-5 Ghana
Zimbabwe 19-12 Morocco
Zambia 10-7 Tunisia
Uganda 38-0 Senegal
Nigeria 5-36 Morocco
Zimbabwe 40-17 Ghana
Zambia 17-14 Senegal
Uganda 26-10 Tunisia
