Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Racing Rugby Football Club that competed in the international overseas category was knocked out in the quarter-final by a team representing Moscow region, losing by 0-26. The Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Kayode Oguntayo, told journalists on their return from the oil-rich Emirates that the Nigerian team lost to carelessness and lack of exposure.

“Technically, I think we were not inferior to the Yug team but our finishing was poor and the boys lost concentration when it mattered most,” Kayode said.

He promised a better outing next year, adding that the federation was doing everything possible to ensure a more active year for rugby players. He added: “This is just the beginning. We will do everything within our available resources to improve our standing next year.”