The Black Stallions of Nigeria will leave the shore of the country for Zimbabwe for six-day camping ahead of the Africa Cup Sevens which serves as 2024 Olympics Games qualifiers.
The Nigeria rugby senior national team qualified for the tournament having finished as one of the top three teams at the Pre-Olympics qualifying games held in Mauritius.
The President, Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Ademola Are, while addressing the media at the headquarters on Friday in Abuja stated that the target of the team and federation is to become one of the top 5 teams in Africa and also qualify for the HBC Series rugby competition.
He admitted that it will be a tough task but believe it’s not achievable.
“The Black Stallions will leave Nigeria for Zimbabwe for the Olympics qualifier on 10th September and camp for six days before the commencement of the tourney. This is to blend the team together and perfect the coach strategies so as to achieve the set target.
“The set target is to pick the Olympics ticket and also join the HBC Series which is the best rugby competition in the World. At the tournament, we will face the best teams in Africa, the hosts, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa and others.
While admitting that funds has been one of the bane affecting their preparation for the tournament, he appealed for financial support from the Federal Government, private individual and well meaning Nigerians.
“ValueJet has been the only one that assist us with fund, the money we received from them is what we have been using for the preparation. We appeal to the Federal Government through Ministry of Sports to assist the federation as we embark on the tournament.” He said.
