Despite failing to clinch the Middle East Africa Rugby Championship trophy, Captain of the Ghanaian side, Riddick Alibah, says that the team stands proud as they have secured a place in the 2025 World Cup playoffs.
The Leopards will be in South Africa next year hoping to book a place in the 2025 World Cup scheduled to take place in France.
Riddick Alibah, speaking to the media after suffering a 30-4 defeat at the hands of their Nigerian counterparts said his team would have emerged victorious, but “for a few errors.”
“They came in hard and they won the game. We also came ready to win but unfortunately, we made a few errors in there. All the same, we are still proud of ourselves. We played hard and we played our hearts out,” he said.
“Most importantly, we are going to South Africa next year and we are just hoping for the best,” he continued.
Nigeria’s success in their title defense earns them a place in history books of the competition as they became the first team to achieve such feat since its inception.
Captain for the Green Hocks of Nigeria, Tuoyo Egodo, dedicated the win to his countrymen as they celebrated their 52nd Independence Day.
He also commended them for supporting the team.
Nigeria’s head coach, Bolu Fagborun, also commended his boys for the performance they put up.
He said that the lads stuck with the game plan, hence, the results.
“I wanted them to start hot and they did, kicked well, put Ghana under pressure and to play in the right parts of the field. They handled the conditions really well,” he said.
He added that the Championship proved to be a worthy test for his team as they eye to make an appearance in the 2025 World Cup.
NIGERIA: 30
Daniel John, Isah Lawal, Tuoyo Egodo, Olisa Kelvin, Abdallah Balogun, Gabriel John, Rio Osayomwanbo, Ibrahim Suraj, Isa Omale, Emmanuel Onyekwe , Jude Abrackson, Daniel Okoro, Michael Ayodeji
(Subs): Julian Godwin, Bashir Usman, Azuka Chika, Yuseef Akeem
Tries: Egodo (15), Ayodeji (20, 67), Okoro (25), Osman (39), Lawal (76)
Goals: John 3/6
GHANA: 4
Isaac Akuoko, Chris da Gama, John Bless Mensah, Desmond Geotrah, William Pearce Biney, Collins Ofosu, Sean Sabutey, Riddick Alibah, Philip Asomani, Nigel Sackey, Emmanuel Acheampong, Bahah Bright, Oliver Puman
(Subs): Jonas Moorkaar, Levi Osei, Jordan Annan, Jonathon Adotey
Tries: Bless Mensah (44)
Goals: Da Gama 0/1
We’ll no longer tolerate your empty, unwarranted attacks – TUC blasts Prof Adei
Bawumia donates GHc200,000 to support Madina fire victims
IMF to disburse US$360million third tranche to Ghana without creditors MoU
Truck owner share insights into train collision incident
Paramount chief of Bassare Traditional Area passes on
Two teachers in court over alleged illegal possession of BECE papers
Sunyani: Victim allegedly shot by traditional warriors appeals for justice
Mahama vows to scrap teacher licensure exams, review Free SHS policy
Government will replace burnt Madina shops with a new three-story, 120-store fac...
