# Nigeria national rugby union team

The Nigeria national rugby union team represent Nigeria in men's international rugby union. Nigeria have thus far not qualified for a Rugby World Cup, but have competed in qualifying tournaments. Nigeria played their first international against Zimbabwe on 1 August 1987, losing by 111-12 in Nairobi. Their greatest success has been in the 2013 Africa Cup, where they beat Mauritius 63-3 in group 1C.
Nigeria tried to qualify for the first time for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, but lost to Senegal (6-48) and Cameroon (8-18), and were eliminated. They also missed the presence at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, after losing to Cameroon (6-26), in the pre-qualifier.

## Players
### Previous squads

Nigeria are currently in the Africa Cup (Division 2) and will compete to gain promotion into the Africa Cup (Performance & First Division) in 2024.

#### Nigeria Squad for the 2012 Africa Cup

* Michael Adeniya (Westcombe Park, England)
* David Akinluyi (Old Olavians, England)
* Emmanuel Akinluyi (Cambridge University, England)
* Emmanuel Ayewe (Racing RFC, Lagos, Nigeria)
* Eseoghene Enajerow (Warri RFC, Warri, Nigeria)
* Udochukwu Eze (Police RFC, Nigeria)
* Nsa Harrison (Staines RFC, England)
* Nuhu Ibrahim (Barewa RFC, Kano, Nigeria)
* Adedoyin Layade (Sedgley Park, England)
* Tiwaloluwa Obisesan (GRavesend RFC, England)
* Shola Odele (Kaduna RFC, Kaduna, Nigeria)
* Felix Ogbole (Kaduna RFC, Kaduna, Nigeria)
* Temitope Okenla (Gravesend RFC, England)
* Craig Olugbode (Gateshead Thunder RL, England)
* Chukwuma Osazuwa (Gravesend RFC, England)
* Ali Shelleng (London Nigerian, England)
* Yemi Ibidunni (Old Dartfordians, England)
* Ivan Stevenson
* Francis Ugwu (Manchester Medics, England)
* Inam Jay Udo-Udoma (Blackheath and Ruislip, England)
* Ejike Uzoigbe (Worthing, England)
* Obi Wilson (Barewa RFC, Kano, Nigeria) 1984.09.24
* Samson Yahayah (Police RFC)
Head Coach: Steven Lewis (New York Blues, USA), Manager: Mark Dean (Samurai International RFC), Physio: Emma Mark (Esher RFC, England)

#### Nigeria Squad for the 2013 Africa Cup

* Adam Aigbokhae (Gravesend RFC, England)
* David Akinluyi (Old Olavians, England)
* Emmanuel Akinluyi (Cambridge University, England)
* John Kura (Racing Club, Lagos, Nigeria)
* Olawale Doherty (Richmond FC, England)
* Usani Ewah (Dallas Harlequins, USA)
* Abdulasmad Abdullahi (Nigeria)
* Olayemi Lawal (London Nigerian RFC, England)
* Nuhu Ibrahim (Barewa RFC, Kano, Nigeria)
* Adedoyin Layade (Sedgley Park, England)
* Tiwaloluwa Obisesan (Canterbury RFC, England)
* Ayo Salau (Aston University, England)
* Omotohunola Odulaja (Loughborough University, England)
* Temitope Okenla (Gravesend RFC, England)
* Olisa Ufodiama (London Nigerian RFC, England)
* Chukwuma Osazuwa (Gravesend RFC, England)
* Moyo Osinibi (Old Alleynian RFC, England)
* Moshope Osinibi (Old Alleynian RFC, England)
* Tan Mbonu (Enfield Ignatians RFC, England)
* Francis Ugwu (Old Midwhitgiftian RFC, England)
* Inam Jay Udo-Udoma (Barking, England)
* Obi Wilson (Barewa RFC, Kano, Nigeria)
* Gbade Adewola (Cardiff University, Wales)
* Samson Yahayah (Police RFC, Nigeria)
Head Coach: Gavin Hogg (Bury St Edmunds RFC, England), Manager: Mark Dean (Samurai International RFC), Physio: Emma Mark (Esher RFC, England)

#### Nigeria Squad for the 2014 Africa Cup 1C in Gaborone, Botswana

* Azeez Ladipo (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Bassey Sunday (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Samuel Olatunde Joseph (Royal Stallions RFC, Ilorin)
* Musa Ibrahim Suaibu (Kaduna RFC, Nigeria)
* Ogbole Felix Gabriel (Kaduna RFC, Nigeria)
* Alaeto Obinna Festus (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Solomon Friday (Sabongeri RFC, Nigeria)
* Sani Isaac (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Olanrewaju Azeez Abiodun (Nigeria Police RFC, Nigeria)
* Yakubu Abubakar (Sabongeri RFC, Nigeria)
* Godwin Emmanuel Chibundu (Delta RFC, Nigeria)
* Ayinla Hafis Adedamola (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Zaria Isa A (DRC PHOENIX, Gronegen, Holland)
* Bakare Ramon Ishola (Nigeria Police RFC, Nigeria)
* Peter Okere Ambrose (Jos RFC, Nigeria)
* Samson Yahaya Didam (Nigeria Police RFC, Nigeria)
* Oyeyemi Yusuf Olatunji (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Dinobi Chiedozie Nzubechukwuka (Cobham Rugby Club, UK)
* Ogar Christian Innocent (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Enajeroh Eseoghene (Warri RFC, Nigeria)
* Olawale Oladipo Michael (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Oyebola Sulyman Olawale (Nigeria Police RFC, Nigeria)
Manager: Dele Coker, Assistant Coaches: Richard Raphael (Kaduna RFC), Ofoha Joseph (Cowrie RFC)

#### Nigeria Squad for the 2015 Africa Cup 1C in Lusaka, Zambia

* Azeez Ladipo (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Bassey Sunday (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Emmanuel Ayewe (Racing RFC, Nigeria)
* Emmanuel Bamidele Samuel (Plateau Tigers RFC, Nigeria)
* Francis Akeju (Plateau Tigers RFC, Nigeria)
* Emmanuel Godwin (Delta RFC, Nigeria)
* Sodiq Oduola (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Sani Isaac (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Olanrewaju Azeez Abiodun (Nigeria Police RFC, Nigeria)
* Adebayo Odumosu-Jones (Lagos RFC, Nigeria)
* Godwin Emmanuel Chibundu (Delta RFC, Nigeria)
* Ayinla Hafis Adedamola (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Leslie Ikenna Ume (Scarborough RFC, UK)
* Nuhu Ibrahim Samaila (Barewa RFC, Kano)
* Obi Izuchukwu Wilson (Barewa RFC, Kano)
* Samson Yahaya Didam (Nigeria Police RFC, Nigeria)
* Sammuel Ekpo (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Chijioke Thomas Emmanuel (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Ogar Christian Innocent (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Ugwu Francis Michael (Nigeria Exiles RFC, UK)
* Peter Okere Ambrose (Plateau Tigers RFC, Nigeria)
* Halilu Sani (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Jatto Onoru-Oyiza Jude (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Adeniran Gbenga Hammed (Cosar RFC, Nigeria)
Manager: Fabian Juries, Team Doctor/Physio: Bukola Bojuwoye

#### Nigeria Squad for the 2016 Africa Cup 1C in Casablanca, Morocco

* Azeez Ladipo (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Francis Akeju (Plateau Tigers RFC, Nigeria)
* Jatto Onoru Oyiza (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* John oladele (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Francis Akeju (Plateau Tigers RFC, Nigeria)
* Alfred Oche (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Sodiq Oduola (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Sani Isaac (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Isa Hassan (Kaduna RFC, Nigeria)
* Okafor ThankgGod (Sharks RFC, South Africa)
* Iheme Chidera (Plateau Tigers RFC, Nigeria)
* Ayinla Hafis Adedamola (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Obinna Alaeto (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Oladipo Olawale (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Obi Izuchukwu Wilson (Barewa RFC, Kano)
* Aniedi George (Nigeria Police RFC, Nigeria)
* Victor Afam (Nigeria Police RFC, Nigeria)
* Peter Ambrose Okere (Plateau Tigers RFC, Nigeria)
* Ogar Christian Innocent (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* John Kura (Racing RFC, UK)
* Yannick Mukoro (EkoII RFC, Nigeria)
* Samaila Agwam (Kaduna RFC, Nigeria)
* Monday omoragieva (Racing RFC, Nigeria)
Manager: Fabian Juries, Assistant Coach: Joseph Ofoha/Richard Raphael, Team Doctor/Physio: Bukola Bojuwoye

#### Nigeria Squad for the 2018 West Africa Regional Test Match versus Niger Republic in Niamey, Niger

* Azeez Ladipo (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria) Captain
* Godwin Dina Otoro Jrn (Vice Captain), Italy
* Jatto Onoru Oyiza (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Sunday Bassey (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Ibrahim Suraj (Barewa RFC, Nigeria)
* John Kurah (Racing RFC, Nigeria)
* Onome Richard (Barewa RFC, Nigeria)
* Felix Adebayo (Nigeria Police RFC, Nigeria)
* Samuel Ekpo (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Isaac Sani (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Hassan Mohammed (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Alfred Oche (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Joshua Etim (Barewa RFC, Nigeria)
* Christian Ogar (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Nuhu Ibrahim (Barewa RFC, Kano)
* Sodiq Oduola (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Adesina Abdul (Racing RFC, Nigeria)
* Babatunde Adewale (Nigeria Police RFC, Nigeria)
* Remilekun Adebambo (Racing RFC, Nigeria)
* Monday Alex (Racing RFC, UK)
* Promise Anosike (Abia buffalos RFC, Nigeria)
* Ezekile Tom (Gosar RFC, Nigeria)
* Monday omoragieva (Racing RFC, Nigeria)
* Adebayo Tobi (Nigeria Police RFC, Nigeria)
Manager: Bronson Weir, Assistant Coach: Joseph Ofoha/Simon Joseph Team Doctor/Physio: Bukola Bojuwoye

#### Nigeria Squad for the 2023 World Cup Elimination Match versus Madagascar in Antananarivo, Madagascar - Dec 1 2019

* Godwin Dina Otoro Jrn (Vice Captain), Italy - Captain
* Azeez Ladipo (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria) Vice Captain
* Sunday Bassey (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Ibrahim Suraj (Barewa RFC, Nigeria)
* John Kurah (Racing RFC, Nigeria)
* Onome Richard (Barewa RFC, Nigeria)
* Ricky Nwagbara (South Africa)
* Samuel Ekpo (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Olatunde Sulaimon (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Jude Abrakson (Barewa RFC, Nigeria)
* Emmanuel Chukwudi (Abia Buffalos, Nigeria)
* Joshua Etim (Barewa RFC, Nigeria)
* Christian Ogar (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Nuhu Ibrahim (Barewa RFC, Kano)
* Jeremiah Peters (Kings College Old Boys, Nigeria)
* Monday Alex (Racing RFC, UK)
* Daniel John (Cowrie RFC, Nigeria)
* Ezekile Tom (Gosar RFC, Nigeria)
* Monday omoragieva (Racing RFC, Nigeria)
* Gabriel Etim (Nigeria Police RFC, Nigeria)
Manager: Bronson Weir, Team Doctor/Physio: Bukola Bojuwoye

## Test Match Record

| Team | Met | Won | Lost | Draw | % | F | Diff |
| Benin | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 | | + |
| Botswana | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.00 | | + |
| Burkina Faso | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.00 | | - |
| Cameroon | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | + |
| Ghana | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 75.00 | 0 | + |
| Ivory Coast | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0.00 | | - |
| Kenya | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.00 | | + |
| Madagascar | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.00 | | - |
| Malaysia | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.00 | | - |
| Mali | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 50.00 | | - |
| Mauritius | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 50.00 | | + |
| Morocco | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 00.00 | 0 | - |
| Senegal | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 50.00 | | - |
| Swaziland | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 | | + |
| Togo | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 75.00 | | - |
| Zambia | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 50.00 | | + |
| Zimbabwe | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 00.00 | | - |

### World Rugby Ranking

Nigeria were ranked 69th in the world by World Rugby as of 29 November 2021. https://www.world.rugby/tournaments/rankings/mru

### World Cup record

* 1987 (New Zealand) - No Qualifying Tournament Held
* 1991 (England) - Did not enter
* 2003 (Australia) - Did not enter
* 2007 (France) - Did not enter
* 2011 (New Zealand) - Did not qualify
* 2015 (England) - Did not qualify
* 2019 (Japan) - Did not qualify
* 2023 (France) -

### Nigeria Rugby Statistics as at December, 2014

| Games Played | 23 |
| Games Won | 8 |
| Games Lost | 13 |
| Games Drawn | 2 |
| Longest Winning Streak | 4 |
| Longest Losing Streak | 6 |
| Teams Played | 15 |
| Teams Beaten | 6 |
| Teams Beaten By | 11 |
| Teams Drawn With | 2 |
| Grounds Played At | 1 |
| Largest Points For | 61 |
| Largest Points Against | 111 |
| Largest Winning Margin | 51 |
| Largest Losing Margin | -99 |
| Total Points For | 375 |
| Avg Points For | 16.3 |
| Total Points Against | 549 |
| Avg Points Against | 23.87 |
| Total Points Difference | -174 |
| Avg Points Difference | -7.57 |

## Nigerian players representing other nations

There have been a large number of Nigerian born or eligible players who have, for a variety of reasons, opted to play for another nation.
These include:
* Niyi Adeolokun - Ireland
* Ugo Monye - England
* Ayoola Erinle - England
* Topsy Ojo - England
* Mark Odejobi - England 7s
* Daniel Norton - England 7s
* Anthony Watson (rugby union) - England
* Marcus Watson (rugby union) - England 7s
* Steve Ojomoh - England
* Victor Ubogu - England
* Nanyak Dala - Canada
* Luther Obi - South Africa U20s
* Uche Odouza - England 7s
* Adedayo Adebayo - England
* Chris Oti - England
* Elijah Joseph - England
* Alex Macmillan - Scotland
* Andrew Harriman - England
* Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi - England U20s
* Paolo Odogwu -England
* Beno Obano - England
* Pierre Goualin - London SE -England under 16s squad
* Maro Itoje - England
* Nick Isiekwe - England
* Joel Kpoku - England U20
* Andy Christie - England U20
* Rotimi Segun - England U20
* Elliott Obatoyimno - England U20
* Josh Ibuanokpe - England U20
* Nathan Earle - England
* Gabriel Ibitoye - England U20
* Gabriel Oghre - England U20
* Max Williams (rugby union) - Wales U20