Nigeria silence Zimbabwe

NIGERIA 34 ZIMBABWE 23
NIGERIA yesterday put up an impressive performance beating Zimbabwe in a Confederation of Africa Rugby (CAR) Group 1C match at Lusaka Rugby Club.

The Nigerians, who lost 15-8 to Zambia in the opening match last Sunday, were unstoppable, taking command of the game with hooker Ekpo Samuel tormenting the Zimbabweans.

Zimbabwe made a false start with Francisco Maneka placing a try only seven minutes into the game which flanker Tendani Dziongoza converted.

Dziongoza then outran Nigerian defenders and placed two consecutive tries.

However, Nigeria responded with tries from Samuel and Samson Didani.

Nigeria continued piling pressure on Zimbabwe with lock Isaac Sani Cato pressing two tries to ensure his team exited the tournament with a victory.

Zimbabwe coach Nsikelelo Sibanda was disappointed with the result.

“I didn’t expect us to lose to Nigeria. We were a better side and we should have won this game but my players relaxed after taking the lead,” Sibanda said.

Zimbabwe face Zambia on Saturday at the same venue.