Nigeria’s men’s rugby national team, the Black Stallions, have secured their spot in the Africa Cup 7s 2024 Paris Olympic Games qualifiers after a thrilling victory in Zimbabwe.
In a high-stakes semi-final clash against Côte d’Ivoire during the pre-qualifying series held in Mauritius on Sunday, the Black Stallions emerged victorious with a final score of 20-12.
With their eyes firmly set on Olympic qualification, the Nigerian side will face off against Algeria in the final of the pre-qualifying series later on Sunday. Displaying immense skill and determination throughout the tournament, the Black Stallions showcased their dominance on day one of the pre-qualifying series. They started their campaign by overwhelming Ghana with a convincing 24-7 victory, followed by a resounding triumph over Burundi with a scoreline of 43-14. Demonstrating their prowess, the Black Stallions then annihilated Congo with an impressive 43-0 win.
Carrying their momentum into the quarter-finals on Sunday, Nigeria faced Botswana in a fiercely contested match. The Black Stallions demonstrated their superiority, overpowering their opponents with a convincing score of 33-5. This triumph propelled them into the semi-finals and brought them one step closer to their Olympic dreams.
The upcoming Africa Cup 7s, scheduled to take place from September 16th to 17th, 2023, in Zimbabwe, will be the ultimate battleground for rugby supremacy. The team that emerges victorious in this prestigious tournament will secure their place in the much-coveted 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Furthermore, the second and third-placed teams in the Africa Cup 7s will advance to the 2024 Final Olympic Qualification Tournament, offering them another chance to earn their spot in the Olympics. Additionally, the top two teams from the tournament will also qualify for the 2024 Challenger Series, showcasing the growing prowess of African rugby on the global stage.
As the Black Stallions prepare for their highly anticipated final against Algeria, the team and its passionate supporters are filled with anticipation and hope. The relentless dedication and exceptional performance displayed by the Nigerian team throughout the pre-qualifying series have placed them in a strong position to achieve their Olympic aspirations. With their eyes on the prize, the Black Stallions aim to etch their name in rugby history and inspire a new generation of athletes in Nigeria.
