By Jacob Ajom

The national Rugby team, The Stallions will be facing their Nigerien counterparts in an international friendly sanctioned by Rugby Afrique.

According to the President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation Kelechukwu Mbagwu the friendly was as a result of the recent readmission of Nigeria into the international rugby family by the continental body, Rugby Afrique. The country was suspended as a  result of the leadership crisis that rocked the federation prior to the elections that brought about the current board.

“One of the major conditions for readmission was to have an acceptable constitution which would be approved by Rugby Afrique. And I am happy to inform you that the suspension has been lifted and we are back to the fold,” he said.

After the readmission, the President said the next step was where to place Nigeria, in terms of ranking. “This is what we have set out to achieve. First we are going to play a friendly against Niger Republic on August 11, take part in a regional rugby tournament in Cote d’Ivoire and another friendly against Ghana. After we take part in all these engagements, Rugby Afrique would then rank us. I believe we should place among the best three in the continent,” Mbagu said.

He informed journalists that the federation was witnessing an astronomical growth in the sport as there were leagues in North West and North Central, in the South South and the South East regions and the Lagos Rugby League.