The head coach of Nigeria’s rugby national team, Steven Lewis has expressed hope that the country’s male and female squads will be able to replicate recent continental victories achieved by the Super Falcons and D’Tigress.
Sports247 reports that Lewis cited recent strides achieved by Nigeria’s rugby men’s team, The Stallions, who he disclosed started from scratch in order to regain their continental ratings, and he believes it’s the beginnig of better things to come for the country.
Lewis disclosed, “In terms of the men, when you are readmitted, you start from the bottom. So, we had to qualify within that time frame.
“We first made 11s, and this year, we got to 7s. All of this in only two years … with fairly minimal preparation and scarce resources. It’s a real achievement.”
Lewis also took a look at some recent results achieved by The Stalions, which he believes adds credence to his verdict that the rugby team is on an upward trajectory and gaining some giant steps, but added that they need lots of support in order to achieve more.
The amiable coach recalled, “We were very close to beating Zambia for six. So, we’re trending in the right direction. If given more support, I am firmly of the belief that we can achieve more.
“Nigeria’s athletic DNA is spectacular; which means it should be a sporting superpower in rugby and football.”
He concluded by affirming that the recent successes of the nation’s women’s basketball and football teams give hope not only to female rugby but also to the male squad as well.
“With recent success achieved by the women in football and basketball, there’s a great motivation for us in rugby.
“We should be replicating that with the men in rugby and the as well. But, we can do that only with adequate support and resources,” Lewis affirmed.
