THE Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) Monday announced the squad for the Cote d'Ivoire tour, where they will play three test matches in the Africa Nations Cup (1C) from June 22 to 29.The squad is much changed from the side that played in the Africa Nations Cup last year in Botswana, with 15 uncapped (at 15-a-side) players in the 24-man squad.Team Manager, Mark Dean was very positive about this fact and highlighted the progression of Nigerian rugby over the last 24 months, as well as, the improved identification of talented players both in the domestic leagues in Nigeria and the exiles programme overseas.According to Dean, 'this year we have been able to select players, who are playing their club rugby at good levels in France, the UK, the U.S.A and Nigeria.'Obviously the larger the pool of talent we have to select from then the faster the elite level of rugby in Nigeria will develop and provide that aspirational link to develop the grassroots domestic game.'Nigeria play test matches against Mauritius, Morocco and Zambia as they bid to improve their IRB ranking and also further their aim of qualification for the 2019 RWC in Japan.Nigeria, ranked 90th in the world, will have their work cut out for them against Zambia, ranked 15 places above them, and even more so against Morocco ranked 33.In the squad are forwards:James Doherty (Richmond), Adedoyin Layade (Marseille), Francis Ugwu (Old Mid-Whitgiftian), Usani Ewah (Dallas), Ayo Salau (Loughborough), Abdul Abdulsamad (Barewa RFC), Moshope Osinibi (Old Alleynian), Moyo Osinibi (Old Alleynian), Chukwuma Osazuwa (Heriots), Ebenezer Ikediashi (Beckenham), Emmanuel Akinluyi (Cambridge), John Kura (Racing RFC), and Adam Aigbokhae (Caldy).The backs includeDavid Akinluyi (Esher), Temi Okenla (Old Mid-Whitgiftian), Toto Odulaja (Loughborough), Martin Olima (Blackheath), Gbade Adewola (Cardiff University),Ade Adebisi(London Skolars), Nuhu Ibrahim (Kano RFC), Tan Mbonu (Enfield Ignatians), and Tiwa Obisesan (Canterbury).The NRFF said some players, who are on standby, may ber called upon for the tour as the need arises. They are Samson Yahaya (Nigeria Police Ikeja), Jay Udo-Udoma (Barking), Ono Jatto (Unattached), Joseph Mogaji (Worthing), and Rhodri Ihenacho (Hull University), all backs.The forwards are,Olayemi Lawal (London Nigerian), Olisa Ufodiama (Imperial College) and Felix Ogbole (Kaduna RFC).Aside Manager,Mark Dean (Samurai), there is also coachGavin Hogg (Bury St Edmunds) and physio,Emma Mark (Esher) in the team.
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