Rugby: Federation opens camp ahead of World Cup Qualifier

The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation has announced a 23-man list for a two-week intensive camping exercise ahead of the pre-qualifiers for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

The two weeks exercise under the supervision of South African born coach, Fabian Juries, will kick off on June 27 at the Mainbowl of the National stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

According to the list made available by the technical department of the federation, only two foreign-based players, Christian Ogar and Okafor ThankGod, both plying their trades in South Africa, were invited to join their home-based colleagues for the camping exercise.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos, Technical Director of the federation, Fasimoye Olatunji, said, “Because of the standard of our league, we have been able to build our players to a standard where we believe that if we nurture them well, they can compete favourably anywhere in the world.

“We expect that all the players that we have called to camp will resume to the national stadium by 4pm today.”

He thanked CMB Building, Investment and Maintenance Company for making the camping exercise possible and also for their unflinching support for the Edward Fom Pam-led NRFF as he called on other corporate bodies to partner with the federation in sponsoring the National teams for their international engagements.

The team, which is expected to depart for Morocco on July 11, will take on Mauritius on July 13 before the all-important clash with the host country, Morocco on the July 16, with all games to be played at the COC stadium.

“I think it’s a great deal for us because we are going to be playing a phase in the 2019 world cup qualifiers in Morocco.”

“Morocco being the host nation, it won’t be an easy task and that is why we are trying to prepare our boys in our own little way.”

“For Morocco, most of their players play in France and they are well funded, hence the need for the Black Stallions to have a two-week camp.”

Meanwhile, Team Doctor, Bukola Bojuwoye, is monitoring the conditions of team captain, Azeez Ladipo, ahead of the tournament following injury he suffered at the finals of the South West league.

Full List of invited players:

1. Peter Okere Ambrose                    Scrumhalf  North
2. Omoragieva  Monday Henry               Scrum/ Fly half           North
3. Ladipo Azeez Olaitan                                     Fly half/ Full back       Lagos
4. Oche Alfred Sunday                                         Fly half/ Full back       North
5. Oladele John Siminuoluwa             Center      Lagos
6. Okafor Sopuruchi  ThankGod Wing/Center      South Africa.
7. Ogar Christian Innocent                           Wing/ Center               South Africa
8. Jatto Onoru-Oyiza Jude                          Wing/ Center               Lagos
9. Afam Ifeanyi Moses                          Wing                Lagos
10. Iheme Felix Chidera                                       Full Back         North
11. Olawale Oladipo                                       Scrum half       Lagos
12. Ekpo Ekubi Samuel                       Flank/Wing  Lagos
13. Samaila Agwan                             Flank/Wing     North
14. Aleto Obinna Festus                         Prop                 Lagos
15. George Anedi                             Prop                       Lagos
16. Akeju Francis Sunday                              Prop/Hooker                North
17. Oduola Sodiq Kofoworola                       Hooker        Lagos
18. Isa Hasan                                                Hooker                     North
19. Sani Isaac Cato                                        Lock                      Lagos
20. Kura John Terseer                                    Lock                    Lagos
21. Wilson Obi Izuchukwu                             Lock                 North
22. Yannick Ufoma Mukoro                           Eight              Lagos
23. Ayinla Hafis Ademola                              Flank/Eight Lagos