The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation’s General Manager, Azeez Oladipo, has shed light on the team’s preparation plans ahead of the highly anticipated 2024 Africa Cup in Tunisia, scheduled for December 19-23.
With the competition fast approaching, Oladipo highlighted how both local and foreign-based players have been sharpening their skills in preparation for the event, detailing the the early phases of the team’s buildup.
“The preparations started long ago because the leagues in different zones started,” Oladipo said.
“We started with Lagos League and then moved it up to the South-South League. So, players get to continue playing.”
According to Oladipo, these leagues have played a crucial role in honing players’ abilities.
“As they play, they gain more experience and get battle-hardened. Their body positioning and their gameplay are being tested. So, it is with that form that they come into the national team.”
The Nigerian squad will comprise 16 locally-based players and 12 foreign-based players.
While the local players have been playing actively in domestic leagues, the foreign-based contingent, who are competing abroad, face the challenge of balancing club commitments with national duties.
“We can’t say, guys come to camp because they also have club obligations. So, what we are going to do is to merge the two local boys and foreign-based players. We’ll merge them together when we meet in Tunisia.”
In a bid to blend the two groups effectively, the team will arrive in Tunisia three days prior to the tournament. Oladipo explained the importance of these days for team bonding and tactical sessions.
“We’re arriving three days earlier, so it’s going to be a very good… We’re going to have a session, multiple sessions in Tunisia, where we’ll now blend the two teams together. And hopefully, they’ll produce the right results.”
With the preparations in full swing, Nigeria’s Black Stallions are aiming to dominate with their strength and unity in the Africa Cup.
The team’s diverse mix of local and international talent is expected to bring fresh energy to the pitch as they go head-to-head with Africa’s best rugby nations.
