The Edo women’s rugby squad has emerged victorious in the first-ever Nigerian Rugby Football Federation’s (NRFF) Sevens Women’s National Championship. The championship, which concluded recently in Asaba, Delta State, saw the Edo team claim the trophy without a single loss.
Exemplifying their fierce gameplay, Team Edo triumphed over Imo Pyramids, Abia, and Delta B team in the group stages. The team continued its winning streak by defeating the Benue Buffalos in the second round, and Delta Team A in the semifinals, thereby securing their spot in the finals.
Coached by Williams Ntiense, the Edo team entered the finals as the favourites and lived up to the expectations by clinching a 17-0 victory over the Lagos-based ECO II side, despite the challenging weather conditions.
Becky Okpitiko, who was lauded as the player of the tournament, received a cash prize of N100,000 for her outstanding contributions as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and top try scorer.
In other matches, Delta A outperformed its B team, concluding the championship with a bronze medal victory of 15 to 5.
Following the final match, an elated Coach Ntiense expressed gratitude to God and the Edo State’s Sports Commission for their continuous support. He further emphasized the pressing need for more sponsorship and support from the private sector to enhance the development of rugby and facilitate Nigerian teams’ success on the global stage.
SOURCE: The Guardian
IMAGE: Vanguard
