Black Stallions In Action at the Rugby Africa Cup 1C
The President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Sir Edward Fom Pam has refused to be depressed over the non-qualification of the senior national team to the Africa Rugby division 1B after Zambia defeated Zimbabwe by 19 points to 12 in the promotion decider on Saturday.
The Black Stallions narrowly missed out on promotion after losing to the home team by 15 to 8points in their first match before defeating 3rd ranked rugby playing nation in Africa, Zimbabwe by 34points to 23 to brighten their chances which was later dimmed by Zambia.
Black Stallions at the Rugby Africa Cup 1C
The president acknowledged that the team boxed itself into a very tight corner after unexpectedly losing to Zambia which bookmakers thought was going to be an easy ride on their way to gaining promotion, hence excuses are not warranted because the team had their chances.
Fom Pam noted that the tournament provided the technical committee of the federation a clear insight as to what the senior national team will look like based on the performances of the team at the competition after about 2 years of trying to gather together a team that can hold its own against any country in the world.
Fabian Juries, Black Stallions Coach
He thanked CMB Building Maintenance & Investment Company Limited for being there for the National team as always as they were solely responsible for the 1 week camping exercise in Zambia before the tournament which went a long way in helping the Fabian Juries led team to record a decent result.
He called on well-meaning Nigerians, corporate organizations to key into the vision of the NRFF by partnering with the federation through sponsorship of the national teams, grassroots and national competitions which will help in exposing the hidden talents scattered all over the country.
Black Stallions In Action at the Rugby Africa Cup 1C
The President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Sir Edward Fom Pam has expressed his delight over the qualification of the national team for the All Africa games and Olympics qualifiers later this year in South Africa.
Pam Fom who could not hide his emotion after being told of the relentless performance of the team in Lome, Togo despite the barriers encountered, praised the boys for doing the nation proud at this crucial moment when all eyes were on them.
In his words, “I believe this is the turning point for Rugby’s fortune in Nigeria as we continue in our march to re-position the sport in Nigeria and strive to occupy our rightful place at the top in Africa.”
Black Stallions,
The numero uno of the gentleman’s game in Nigeria promised the Fabian Juries led team that camping for the All African Games in Congo and Olympics qualifiers will not just be a 1 or 2 weeks affair as he believes this will ultimately put the team in good stead to challenge for trophies at international level.
“The federation knows the importance of early and adequate preparation for the national team, therefore, to make sure that the Black Stallions are not just mere participants in Congo and South Africa, the federation will put all necessary machinery in motion to source for funds from the National Sports Commission and private bodies to ensure the team reports early to camp for these competitions.”
Black Stallions,
He also assured Nigerians to expect nothing but the best from his boys in the World Cup Pre qualifiers scheduled to hold later this month in Lusaka, Zambia.
He concluded by thanking the press for being there for the federation through objective and consistent reports which has gone a long way in ensuring that all the plans and programs of the federation are relayed to Nigerians.
Despite the heavy downpour on Saturday, The South-West Rugby League went ahead as scheduled as the aftermath of the rain further made the pitch perfect for rugby.
Gosar RFC took on Police RFC in the first match and stuck to their territorial game plan. after twelve minutes spent in their opponents half, Police winger, Moshood Ajikanle’s break away try opened the flood gates for the men in black followed by a conversion by Sulymon Oyebola. Police scored one more try before the break and added two more tries in the second half leaving the final score at 24-0.
Cowrie RFC
In the second game, Cowrie RFC proved their superiority in the league by defeating the Royal Stallions of Ilorin 77-0 In a one sided affair where Cowrie dominated the game all through.
Though the Ilorin boys had a few breaks, they could not utilize them with the solid defence and brutal attack of Cowrie. Christain Ogar increased his dominance on the scorer table with 4 tries, he has so far scored 32 tries registering 160 points on the scorer chat, Cowrie’s new wing sensation; Onor Jato who returned from a 5 match absence came in after the first half break to register 2 tries giving him his 5th try of the season while the captain of the side Azeez Ladipo converted 6 out of 13 tries scored.
Racing RFC
The last match of the day between Eco II RFC and Racing RFC ended in favour of Racing even though the Ajegunle boys were able to register 3 pionts through a penalty conversion by captain; Samsom Okeowo in the last minute of the second half to keep the score at a respectable 62-3.
Nigeria and Cowrie rugby sensation, Christian Ogar was the cynosure of all eyes on Saturday in the week 2 of the CMB Building Maintenance and Inv. Co. Ltd sponsored South West Rugby league which took center stage at the mainbowl of the National stadium, Surulere, Lagos against struggling Eco II RFC.
With fans wondering whether Cowrie were going to reach the 100point mark, the influential national team player turned up the heat, affirming is superiority on the scorers chat recording 6 tries, the duo of Sunday Bassey and Sammy Ekpo scored 2 tries each in a match that left the stunned Eco II team wondering where it all went wrong.
The scoreline will not be complete without the help of Sadiq Oduola, Olawale Oladipo and Matthias Emmanuel who all scored a tri each with National team captain showing again why he is arguably one of the best ball kickers in Africa as he converted 15 out of 16 try conversions, scoring 30 points in the process.
Action from the Southwest Rugby League
Speaking after their 5 star performance, the soft spoken Christian Ogar traced their impressive performance to hours of hard work in training.
Although, he said despite the 110 to 0 point margin against Eco II who are still searching for their first win of the season, the boys were not fully in shape as it was their first league match of the year.
Meanwhile, Racing RFC of Lagos continues to push for a second place finish on the table as another victory against the Hammed Gbenga led Gosar RFC moved them a step closer to their season target.
Muktar Ibrahim of Racing scored the first tri of the day and Monday Omorogieva converted the resulting kick to open a 7-0 lead.
Midway into the game, Gosar turned the tide against their foes and were seriously piling on the pressure in their bid to restore parity but it was Racing that extended the lead to 12-0 in the dying moment of the first half through Imeh Okon after Gosar’s backline were caught unawares.
Despite Gosar RFC putting up a spirited effort, Daniel Uduogu delivered another deadly blow to the heart with another try in the second half as the game ended in 22-0 in favor of Racing.
Speaking after their loss, Gosar RFC prop, Mark Macaulay blamed their harrowing defeat on the players who did not play to instruction as they let their guards down at crucial moments of the game.
Cowrie RFC, South west Rugby League Leaders
In his own view, Captain of victorious Racing RFC, David Oyekanmi said it feels good to be a winner and he feels on top of the world after their well-deserved victory.
Nigeria Police RFC were awarded 14 points as they walked over Hawkster Athletics RFC who are still serving a suspension from the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation.
Meanwhile Royal Stallions RFC of Ilorin versus Lagos RFC game didn’t hold following the withdrawal of Lagos RFC from the league due the their club’s managerial issues.
Action resume this weekend with week 2 matches of the 2nd phase of the CMB Building Maintenance & Inv. Co. Ltd sponsored South West Rugby league takes centre stage at the main bowl of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on Saturday 9th May 2015 With Hawkster Athletics RFC of Lagos still serving their Nigeria Rugby Football Federation imposed ban following their misconducts at the Independence Sevens Rugby fiesta, their match against Police RFC slated for 10:30am will not hold with the boys from the barracks scheduled to walk away with 14 technical walkover points.
Southwest Rugby League
Cowrie RFC of Lagos with 39 points from 8 matches will look to extend their lead at the top of the log as they take on Royal Stallions RFC of Ilorin in a game many have tipped to be an easy win for Cowrie RFC to extend their unbeaten runs to 9 games in the 2014/2015 league season.
5th placed Gosar RFC on 17 points after 8 matches will be taking on 3rd placed Racing RFC in the 3rd match of the day with head coach of the Gosah RFC, Gbenga Hammed playing, he and his boys may shock Racing in their push for a national playoff ticket taking place later in the year.
Lagos RFC currently on 11 points and occupying the 6th position will square up against Eco II RFC who have not recorded any point on the log table the game is billed to start by 4:30pm and its the last match of the day.
Christain Ogar of Cowrie Rugby Club in Action
Cowrie’s Christain Ogah still maintains his supremacy on top of the scorers chart with 100 points after scoring 20 tries while the National Team (Black Stallions) and Cowrie RFC captain, Azeez Ladipo follows closely with 3 tries, 39 conversions with a cumulative 93 points, Police RFC’s Oyebola Sulymon with with a cumulative 77 points is 3rd on the chart.
The 2nd stanza of the South Western Rugby league organized by ‘Friends of Rugby’ and sponsored by CMB Building and Maintenance Company started on Saturday on a bright note as spectators were treated to light refreshments and music.
1st game saw Racing Rugby Football of Lagos walk over Lagos RFC who failed to show up for their match and were walked over with 14 points.
The 2nd game of the day between Gosar RFC and Eco II RFC started on a cautious note as both teams were skeptical of committing all into attack in fear of a counter attacking move before Felix Salami of Gosar took the game to their opponent as he scored their 1st try of the second phase in the 21st minute against Eco II with Gbenga Hammed missing the resulting conversion kick.
Police RFC in action
Alex Ngbonyebi of Gosar RFC piled more misery on Eco II RFC with a well worked try in the 33rd minute with Gbenga Hammed missing the resulting conversion kick.
Gosar RFC took a 15-0 advantage over their local rival from Ajegunle, Eco II RFC into the 1st half break.
Gosar RFC extended their lead against Eco II with the commencement of hostility in the 2nd half with Gbenga Hammed scoring another penalty conversion in the 62nd minute to record 18 points.
Busari Kazeem of Eco II redeemed his team with a dramatic try scored in 71st minute before stepping up again to convert the resulting kick.
Felix salami of Gosar RFC took the game before Eco II as he scored another good try in the 81st minute of the encounter before Babatunde Shittu missed the resulting penalty as the game ended in 26 points to 7 in Gosar RFC’s favor.
The third game between Cowrie Rugby FC Lagos and Hawkster Athletics RFC of Lagos was decided to be a technical walkover in favor of Cowrie RFC by the technical committee of the league due to the existing suspension of Hawkster Athletics by the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation – Official with Cowrie awarded 14 points.
Steven of Royal Stallions Ilorin beats a defender
The last match of the day, between Police RFC and Royal Stallions RFC of Ilorin started on a fast and furious note with Abdulmalik Salihu of Police RFC drawing the 1st blood against Royal Stallions while Yahaya Samson missed the resulting penalty kick. At half time, the scores stood at 12-0 in favor of Police RFC.
In their quest to control the damage from Police RFC, Royal Stallions made couple of changes which was not enough as diminutive Ikechukwu Obiagazie scored a try for Police RFC and Suleiman Oyebola made the conversion to extend their lead to 19 points.
With Royal Stallions RFC letting down their defensive guard, they were punished as Yahaya Samson scored a try which was latter converted by Suleiman Oyebola to extend their lead to 26 points.
After match day 8, Cowrie RFC are still top of the league table with 39points, Police RFC and Racing RFC are tied on 29 points with Police having a superior points aggregate Hawkster Athletics RFC are still 4th on the league table with 23 points after they were walked over Gosar RFC, Lagos RFC, Royal Stallions RFC, Eco II completes the table in that order.
Nigeria Rugby Football Federation vice-president, Olatunji Fasimoye has stated that the body in conjunction with ‘Friends of Rugby’ have put in place the necessary modalities for a smooth take off of the second-round phase of the South-West League kicking off this weekend inside the main bowl of the National Stadium Lagos.
Speaking during the media chat held at the media centre of the National stadium, Fasimoye assured all clubs of fairness and new innovations in the second half of the season as he revealed that all grievances and complaints have been reviewed with a view to improving the standard of the league.
Christain Ogar of Cowrie Rugby Club in Action
Fasimoye who stood in for the President, Sir Edward Fom Pam stated that all the south-west rugby clubs including Royal Stallions of Ilorin have all indicated their readiness to continue in their quest to upstage Cowrie RFC from the top spot.
In the interactive session, Fasimoye outlined the games schedules of the upcoming league stanza with each team expected to play seven more matches as he urged the participating clubs to be disciplined and abide by the rules governing the fast rising sport in Nigeria.
He complained to sports writers that sponsorship has not been forthcoming despite numerous letters, proposals and meetings held with individuals and corporate organizations as he thanked ‘CMB Building Maintenance and Investment Company limited’ for the progress recorded so far.
Steven of Royal Stallions Ilorin beats a defender
8 teams are expected to storm the mainbowl on Saturday with Cowrie Rugby Club leading the pack with 35 points.
Other teams include Police Rugby Club, Royal Stallions, Racing RFC, Eko II, Gosah RFC Hawkster Athletics and Lagos RFC.
Sequel to the announcement by the organisers of the South-West league scheduled for 25th April 2015, as the commencement date for the 2nd phase of the South West league, the Friends of Rugby hereby announce a press briefing and anti doping seminar which will be held at the Media Centre situated inside the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on Thursday 23rd of April 2015.
The chairman of Friends of Rugby; Mr Kelechukwu Mbagwu the Managing Director of CMB Building Maintenance & Investment Co. Ltd sponsors of the southwest rugby league, made the announcement today to herald the commencement of the 2nd phase of the league.
The anti doping seminar will come up immediately after the press briefing and will be conducted by Doctor Bukola Bojuwoye a renowned sports medicine practitioner who has had stints with the U-23 male National team, the Falconets and also the Falcons at different times over the years.
Southwest Rugby League
The seminar is mandatory for team coaches and captains of all participating teams in the South West League; According to Dr. Bojuwoye, the seminar will focus on anti-doping in Rugby and how athletes can be on top of their game without the influence of drug.
The President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Sir Edward Fom Pam commended the efforts of the organizers of the league and charged other regions to emulate the sponsors of the South Western League for educating players on the negative impact of drugs in sports and latest rules of the gentleman’s game
The Nigerian Rugby Football Federation under the leadership of Sir Edward Fom Pam have reinstated their commitment to the development of grassroot rugby in a bid to improve on the National team’s performances next year, the media friendly president disclosed this during the first ever general assembly meeting held in December 2014 at the Media Centre, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
It was also agreed at the general assembly that the Technical committee of the federation will give room for the participation of foreign based internationals in the national team (Black Stallions).
Black Stallion – Nigeria Rugby National Team
The Technical Director (Fasimoye Olatunji) was quick to allay fears that indigenous player’s position on the Black Stallions could be threatened with the latest decision of the NRFF if they don’t improve and upgrade their standard. “I can assure you that majority of games to be played in 2015 will be a blend of our home and foreign based players”
In a related development, the apex Rugby ruling body in Nigeria has declared that Racing RFC of Lagos will not be facing any sanction whatsoever despite resorting to the usage of elite athletes from different countries at the Dubai Rugby Sevens Invitational tourney in December 2014.
Speaking through the President of the federation, Racing RFC is an affiliate of the Nigerian Rugby Federation and as such when they are going for international invitational with the blessings of the federation, they have the right to pick whomever they deem fit to be in their team.
“We can only advise them to stick with the home based players so that they can get the needed exposure”
Azeez Ladipo, Black Stallions Captain In Action
Despite the attestation of Racing RFC of using elite players in the tournament because they felt their players were too young to participate in the tournament, The Plateau state Rugby expert expressed a different sentiment as he said the young team should have been taken to such competitions, This will benefit the NRFF in the long run and also help the players gain relevant exposure.
The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation under the leadership of Sir Edward Fom Pam has described 2014 as a successful year considering the achievements recorded by the national team, local clubs as well as grass roots developmental programs for players and coaches.
According to the president of the new NRFF board inaugurated in November, 2013, the outgoing year has witnessed so many tremendous and unprecedented achievements in the history of the sport not just on the pitch of play but also administratively.
Speaking with journalists, Fom Pam said “to ensure that the federation cares for its members, we have created a database that captured all clubs, officials and player’s details. That has provided us with an accurate yardstick for planning and measurement of growth.”
The seasoned sports administrator expressed immense joy over the repositioning of the regional leagues which have grown to become one of the biggest leagues in Africa with eight teams in the South West, four in the South East/South South league and six in the Northern league with the regional winners featuring in the Super league to determine the national champion.
In the same vein, The Technical Director of the Federation, Fasimoye Olatunji buttressed the sentiments shared by the president “ two Sevens tournament were staged this year, with Liliker sevens in the North and Independence sevens in the south west we hope to establish more in other regions to improve the standard of Rugby in Nigeria”
Fasimoye also highlighted the grass root development programs of the federation prompted by the Get into rugby which is an initiative of the International Rugby Board. The program launch was attended by 50 coaches and 35 teachers from eight states.
IRB – Get Into Rugby
The eight states includes; Lagos, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Plateau, Kaduna, Abia and Imo state) which represented all the regions and the program was administered by Mohamed Dermouni (Regional Development Officer) with materials delivered to the NRFF by the GIR Regional Development officer to kick start the program, the grants we received from IRB for the program was also committed in acquiring more GIR training materials. “At the moment, over 75 schools have registered for the program”
“The NOC/IOC staged a solidarity coaching course in Nigeria recently, the Level 1 coaching course which was organized as solidarity and developmental strategy for Olympic sports was attended by 19 coaches from every region of the country, the programme was facilitated by Bright Chivandire a technical representative of IRB from Zimbabwe.”
Black Stallion – Nigeria Rugby National Team
At the national level, the senior national team also known as Black Stallions predominantly consisting of home base players featured in the African cup 1c in Gaborone, Botswana where they came fourth.
The team captained by Azeez Ladipo also took part in the African Sevens Tournament held in Harare, Zimbabwe where they finished 11th on the log.
The president while defending the federation’s stance of using the home grown players despite having a pool of rugby players in Abroad expresses belief that “this was done in a bid to engage the local based players in order to measure the actual level of rugby development in Nigeria.”
“This gave the players exposure, experience, courage to face any opposition, hope for a better tomorrow and the needed motivation to forge ahead and become better players.”
Fabian Juries, photo sport24.co.za
It must be noted that the board made use of little resources at their disposal to engage National players on high performance training and employed the service of Fabian Juries a South African rugby legend in November as the new head coach of the Black Stallions. Fabian Juries led the team to the African Sevens Championship in Harare Zimbabwe.
‘From Left: Tertius Strauss – Regional Director EXP, Tunji Fasimoye – VP NRFF, Breyton Paulse – TV Presenter and EX Springbok Professional Rugby Player, Danie Gerber – Seasoned Rugby Development Coach and EX Springbok International Rugby Hall of fame and Mike Archer – Rugby Promoter’
On his part, Fom Pam revealed that “We brought in two Rugby legends from south Africa (Breyton Paulse and Danie Gerber) to help promote the sport in Nigeria. This gave NRFF the opportunity to projects its plans and vision for the next four years and also to seek for sponsorship.”
He believes that the impressive turnout of expatriates at the Independence Sevens Tournament and the voluntary hosting of the Black Stallions sevens team to a dinner by the expatriate community are dividends of the event coupled with a working partnership with vibrant media partners at home and abroad.
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