By Amaechi Agbo
Nigeria’s Stallions may have missed out on fifth place, but they left Kampala with their heads held high after battling their way to sixth place in Africa at the African Men’s Sevens Series.
The Stallions finished sixth at the tournament after a spirited campaign that tested their resilience, character and fighting spirit, despite a 19–7 defeat to Tunisia in the fifth-place playoff
It was a tournament of contrasting fortunes for Nigeria — from the frustration of a heavy defeat to Morocco to a spirited recovery that saw the Stallions fight their way back into contention.
Nigeria began Day Two with a daunting assignment against eventual champions Zimbabwe.
The Stallions were beaten 26–14, but the performance represented a significant improvement from their disappointing 36–5 loss to Morocco in the opening phase of the tournament.
Rather than allowing the setback to derail their campaign, Nigeria responded with determination against Senegal.
What appeared to be a comfortable assignment quickly turned into a nerve-racking battle as Senegal rediscovered their form. Nigeria were made to work for every point, but the Stallions summoned their trademark resilience to secure a thrilling 25–22 victory.
That win earned Nigeria a place in the fifth-place playoff against Tunisia.
The fifth-place contest proved to be another bruising encounter.
Tunisia brought greater attacking polish and composure, but Nigeria refused to capitulate. The Stallions battled relentlessly and continued to press despite the odds, eventually falling 19–7.
The result condemned Nigeria to sixth place, but their overall position represented a one-place improvement from their pre-tournament ranking.
For a side that had endured a bruising defeat earlier in the competition, the response was arguably just as important as the final placing.
The bronze-medal playoff produced another thrilling contest.
Zambia appeared on course for third place after three well-worked tries, with Nkhoma Chisanga and double-scorer Edmond Hamayuwa leading their charge.
Morocco, however, refused to surrender.
Adil Achahbar, Youn Ezzemzami and Billal El Khaoulani crossed for crucial tries as Morocco staged a dramatic fightback to edge Zambia 19–17 and claim the bronze medal.
Zimbabwe saved their best for last, defeating hosts Uganda 26–19 in the Cup Final to emerge champions.
The victory capped an impressive tournament for Zimbabwe, while Uganda settled for silver after an otherwise strong run on home soil.
For Nigeria, the journey ends with sixth place and a step forward in Africa.
The Stallions may have fallen short of fifth, but they showed something that could prove just as valuable going forward — the ability to pick themselves up, fight back and finish stronger than they started.
The Stallions leave Kampala with a higher tournament standing and another chapter added to Nigeria’s rugby sevens story.
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