Home-based player Daniel John has been named Nigeria’s Most Valuable Player at the 2026 Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens held in Kampala, Uganda. He helped the Stallions secure sixth place in the eight-team competition.
John plays for Cowrie RFC and scored three tries during Nigeria’s matches. This includes a standout solo try in their 25-22 win against Senegal.
Nigeria kicked off the tournament with a strong 26-5 victory over Ghana. But then they faced a tough 36-5 defeat to Morocco. They also lost 26-14 to Zimbabwe, who ended up as the champions.
The Stallions managed to come back with a win over Senegal. However, they fell short in the fifth-place playoff, losing 19-7 to Tunisia to finish in sixth place.
John was one of only two home-based players in Nigeria’s squad. His recognition has sparked calls for more domestic competition to help develop local talent.
Rugby administrator Obong Williams said John’s achievement shows the potential of players competing without a regular domestic league.
“Daniel’s award is not just a personal victory; it is a victory for every player training on empty fields in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Jos, just to mention a few, without a league to play in,” Williams said.
Williams pointed out that Nigeria has not had a national league, President’s Cup or a domestic Sevens circuit for over four years.
“If one of the two home-based players can be MVP in an African tournament, imagine what ten or twenty home-based players can do if we give them a proper national league and opportunities,” he added.
Nigeria finished one spot higher than their seventh place at the 2025 tournament in Mauritius, which had 12 teams.
Zimbabwe won the Kampala tournament, defeating the hosts, Uganda, 26-19 in the final. Morocco took third place after beating Zambia 19-17.
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