Onyekachi John-Osunkwo, who plays for Naka Bulls RFC of South Africa, Ayemere Alinafe Oiyemhonlan of Austin Huns of the United States and Eze Kenechukwu of Barnes RFC, United Kingdom, are among the 12 players chosen by the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) for the country’s campaign at the 2026 Africa World Rugby SVNS 3 qualifiers, holding in Kampala, Uganda, on September 26 and 27, 2026.

The tournament represents another important step in Nigeria’s steady development in international rugby, with eight African nations set to compete for a place on the World Rugby SVNS 3 pathway for 2027.

Nigeria has been drawn in Pool A alongside Zimbabwe, Ghana and Morocco, while hosts Uganda will face Zambia, Tunisia and Senegal in Pool B.

For the Stallions, the assignment is more than a tournament. It is another opportunity to test the depth of the programme, expose emerging players to high-level international competition and continue building a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level in African rugby.

Looking forward to an exciting competition, Nigeria’s Head Coach, Steve Lewis, said: “We are focused on steady progress. Every international tournament gives us another opportunity to test ourselves, learn and improve.

“We have selected a squad that combines experience with some exciting new talent, and we are looking forward to seeing what these players can produce in Kampala.”

The Nigerian squad features players based across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, the United States and South Africa, reflecting the increasingly international nature of the Stallions programme.

The Uganda assignment will also mark an important milestone for three players making their first appearance for Nigeria in international 7s rugby: Osunkwo, Oiyemhonlan and Kenechukwu.

Their inclusion reflects the Federation’s commitment to expanding the national player pool and creating opportunities for new talent to step into the international environment.

The squad also includes experienced players such as Gabriel Etim, John-Oluwatobiloba Anthony, Oghenesuvwe Obano, Matthew Ilube, Chukwuyem Henry-Ajudua, Daniel Christopher, Joshua Addams and Pierre Goualin, providing a blend of international experience and fresh energy.

The Stallions will be managed by Azeez Ladipo, with Steve Lewis as Head Coach and Augustine Nwankwor as Team Medic.

The NRFF said in a statement that the tournament comes at an important point in Nigeria’s rugby development journey.

“Rugby Africa’s revised 2026 structure has created a clear pathway for African teams towards the global SVNS competition, with the tournament winner securing Africa’s qualification place for the World Rugby SVNS 3 2027 competition. The results will also contribute to determining African men’s sevens rankings,” the NRFF said, adding: “For Nigeria, the objective remains clear: build, compete, learn and progress.”

The NRFF said that the federation believes that sustained international exposure, investment in players and coaches, stronger domestic structures and meaningful partnerships with the private sector will be essential to taking Nigerian rugby to the next level.”

It called on supporters of Nigerian rugby, corporate partners, sponsors and the wider sporting community to continue backing the Stallions as they represent the country on the continental stage.

“Nigeria’s participation in Uganda is another opportunity to showcase the country’s rugby talent, strengthen the national programme and demonstrate what is possible when athletes are given the platform and support to compete internationally,” it added.