The Stallions of Nigeria concluded their 2025 Africa Men’s Sevens Rugby campaign on a winning note, defeating regional rivals Ghana 19–12 in a spirited encounter dubbed the “Jollof Derby,” to clinch 7th place overall in the continental tournament.
The hard-fought win over the Leopards of Ghana not only delivered bragging rights in the West African rugby scene but also playfully rekindled the longstanding culinary rivalry between the two nations over Jollof rice.
Nigeria’s final placement marks a notable improvement from their 11th-place finish in the previous edition of the championship, reflecting the team’s continued growth and rising profile in African rugby.
The Stallions’ campaign began with a tough challenge against continental giants South Africa. Despite a 17–5 loss, the team earned plaudits for their defensive resilience and unrelenting spirit. They bounced back with an emphatic 29–12 victory over Burkina Faso in their second group match, reigniting belief within the squad.
Their final group stage clash against Zambia was one of the tightest contests of the round. Despite a valiant effort, Nigeria narrowly lost 14–7 in a tense affair.
In the quarterfinals, the Stallions faced Kenya’s Shujaa in a fast-paced encounter. Shorthanded due to injuries to key players, Nigeria gave a spirited performance but eventually succumbed to the East African giants 43–12.
The placement rounds saw Nigeria lock horns with Zambia once more in another thriller. Both sides went toe-to-toe, but the Zambians edged out a 26–22 win, handing Nigeria a second close defeat.
In their final outing, Nigeria approached the clash against Ghana with renewed energy and purpose. The Stallions delivered a disciplined and vibrant performance, scoring three tries to secure a 19–12 win and wrap up their campaign in style.
The 7th-place finish is seen as a positive step forward for the Nigerian team, showcasing resilience, competitiveness, and growing potential in the African rugby landscape.
