Nigeria’s rugby authorities have rolled out a 42-man preliminary squad for the upcoming Heritage Cup clash against Ghana, confirming that an all-local Stallions XV will take the field when both sides lock horns in Accra on November 29.
The showdown, set for the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium, carries the weight of a long-standing rivalry, with both nations eager to claim bragging rights in one of West Africa’s fiercest rugby contests.
Players will officially begin camp on November 22 in Lagos, with the team assembling at Ojez Hotel in Ebutte Metta. According to officials, the lineup showcases standout talent from top domestic sides such as Cowrie, Racing, Barewa, Delta, Edo State, Zaria, Kwara Dynamite, Nigeria Police, AJ Sharks, and Plateau Tigers, along with a pair of players whose club details were not listed.
Forwards selected include:
Quadri Kolawole (Cowrie), Julius Godwin (Racing), Iyintosoluwa Kolawole (Racing), Olatunde Sulaiman (Cowrie), Obi Wilson (Barewa), Emmanuel Agu (Barewa), Jude Abrakson (Barewa), Chukwudera Onunkwo (Racing), Nelson Eselekhomwen (Edo State), Adebayo Tobi (Racing), Chidozie Nwabunwanne (Cowrie), Cornelius Arebamhen, Friday Solomon (Delta), Akeem Yusuf (Cowrie), Akinkunmi Akande (AJ Sharks), Liberty Enoma (Delta State), and Williams Malu (Nigeria Police).
Backs listed are:
Isa Omale (Barewa), Oseni Fawaz (AJ Sharks), Ibrahim Jeje (Kwara Dynamite), Jeremiah Peter (Barewa), Adamu Husaini (Zazzau Rugby), Innocent Peter (Delta State), Joshua Rankin (Cowrie), Christian Williams (Barewa), Joseph Junior Girigi (Kwara Dynamite), Ezekiel Tom (AJ Sharks), Joshua Etim (Barewa), Sadam Abubakar (Nigeria Police), Benedict Obianuju (Delta Marine), Festus Omorodion (Edo State), Iliyasu Musa (Zaria), Stephen Suru Kiki (AJ Sharks), Daniel John (Cowrie), Prince Sam (Barewa), Gabriel Etim (Barewa), Samuel Akpabio (Barewa), Monday Omorogieva (Racing), Aliyu Auwal (Edo State), Simpson Daniel (Barewa), Chidera Iheme (Plateau Tigers) and Onoru Jatto.
The rugby federation noted that the current list will be trimmed to a final squad of 24 players who will travel to Accra for the Heritage Cup. Nigeria will be aiming to stamp their authority and deliver a convincing performance against a familiar foe in what promises to be a fiery regional contest.
