Lagos – Azeez Ladipo, the Captain of the Nigeria national rugby players, on Wednesday urged his team mates to remain focused to ensure Nigeria moved up to Africa Cup 1B.
Ladipo said in Lagos that qualifying for the Africa Cup 1B was his dream as captain, as it would get the country closer to the 2019 World Cup.

Action recorded during a rugby match at the national stadium, Lagos.

“We have to focus on moving Nigeria into the Africa Cup 1B and get closer to qualifying for 2019 world cup.

“My advice to them is that there is still a lot to play for and we are not where we want to be in World Rugby rankings.

“We have to roll up our sleeves and work hard at the Africa Cup 1C to ensure promotion into Africa Cup 1B. We also need to perform well at the AAG and Olympic Qualifiers,” he said.

The Africa Cup 1C is scheduled for June 22 to June 27 in Lusaka, Zambia

Ladipo said the team had to continue to prove its mettle and it was not time for them to go to sleep.

According to him, the team plans to go to Lusaka, Zambia for a week camping with the expectation to move to Cup 1B from 1C.

“We will leave for Lusaka at the weekend for a one-week camp before the games next weekend where we will play against host Zambia and Zimbabwe,” he said.

If the Black Stallions qualify in Cup C, they will move up to Cup B.

As at March 9, 2015, Japan is the only nation that has secured a place in the 2019 tournament, by virtue of hosting the tournament.

Eleven or 12 other teams will qualify by the end of 2015, as the top three teams in each pool during the 2015 Rugby World Cup will gain automatic qualification in the next tournament. (NAN)