Team Captain, Kitto Oliver, will lead Nigeria’s 14-man squad to the Mauritius 2025 Africa Men’s Rugby Sevens Tournament billed to be held between June 21 and 22, at the Labourdonnais Sports Club.
 
Other members of the squad announced by the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, yesterday, are Isa Omale, Matthew Ilube, Kolade Adedoyin, Gabriel John Etim, Joshua Addams, Tuoyo Anthony Egodo, Oghenesuvwe Obano, Frederick Henry-Ajudua, Richard Adeniyi-Jones, Declan Nwachukwu and
Akeem Yusuf with Michael Ogunwole and John Tobi Anthony as the reserved players.
 
Nigeria will battle with the 11 of Africa’s top rugby sevens nations, including South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Tunisia, Zambia, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and host nation Mauritius.
 
The winner of the tournament will earn a coveted spot in the 2025 World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series.
 
Nigeria will play in Pool B against South Africa, Burkina Faso, and Zambia on June 21.
 
According to the fixtures, Nigeria’s game against South Africa will start by 7.30 a.m. before taking on Burkina Faso by 9.28 a.m. and Zambia by 12:12 p.m.
 
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Head Coach, Steve Lewis, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness following an intense two-month build-up, which included appearances at the Abeokuta Cup 7s, London Floodlit 7s, Summer Socials, and Manor 7s tournaments.
 
He said: “We’re pleased with the players’ commitment and growth,” Lewis said. “It’s great to have Declan Nwachukwu and Kolade Adedoyin back from injury, and we’re excited about the fresh energy from new call-ups like Joshua Addams, Isa Omale, Tuoyo Egodo, and Akeem Yusuf.”
 
The squad features a blend of experience and emerging talent, with stalwarts like Frederick Henry-Ajudua and Oghenesuvwe Obano bringing physicality and presence, while Captain Kitto Oliver provides leadership and composure.
 
He said that the final preparations will be held at a pre-tournament training camp in London before the team heads to Mauritius.
 
Apart from Lewis, other members of the technical committee are Azeez Ladipo (Team Manager) and Dr Fikunola Orafidiya (medic).