Lewis StephenJohn, the head coach of the Nigeria Women’s 7th Rugby team, shared insights into the team’s debut at the All-Africa Games in an exclusive interview.
With a focus on the tournament’s significance and Nigeria’s prospects, StephenJohn provided valuable perspectives on the competition and the future of rugby in Africa.
Read Also: Ghana Rugby 7s Team Player, Joseph Sagoe, Optimistic About Team’s Performance At All-Africa Games
Acknowledging the historic nature of the event, StephenJohn praised the facilities and the diversity of teams participating in the tournament.
It’s great to see, first off, this facility here in Ghana is superb. Proper size field, good grass, and good facilities, which is great to see.
He highlighted the growth of women’s rugby in the region and Nigeria’s inaugural appearance, emphasizing the significance of the moment.
It’s good to see teams from so many different countries and to see the sport growing. Particularly on the women’s side, this is the first time Nigerian women have played, so it’s historic stuff, it’s great,” He told Sports 247.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s match against Ghana, StephenJohn acknowledged the competitive spirit of the game while crediting Ghana’s victory.
Despite the loss, he expressed pride in his team’s performance and their commitment to representing Nigeria on the international stage.
Assessing Nigeria’s chances in the tournament, StephenJohn acknowledged the challenges posed by formidable opponents such as Uganda and Tunisia.
However, he emphasized the team’s determination to learn and improve, underscoring their pride in representing their country.
“Nigeria is a very difficult tournament now for us because we have to play Uganda, and Tunisia, which are full -time programs. But we’re here to learn, as I said, it’s our first time in competition.
So our girls are keen to represent their country, which they’re doing well. It will be a challenge for the rest of the competition.”
Regarding the frequency of the All-Africa Games, StephenJohn agreed that more regular tournaments would benefit African rugby.
He emphasized the importance of consistent competition and access to resources in nurturing talent and improving the standard of play across the continent.
StephenJohn highlighted the need for increased funding and support for rugby in Africa, particularly in terms of facilities and resources.
Despite these challenges, he remained optimistic about the future of the sport and the potential for African teams to excel on the global stage with the right investments and opportunities.
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