Eyes on Kenya Lionesses as Africa Women’s 7s tournament kicks off in Nairobi
By Joel Masibo, November 15, 2025Attention will shift to the Kenya Lionesses as the home team takes to the field in the 2025 Africa Women’s 7s tournament that kicked off on Friday, November 14, 2025.
The tournament is set to continue through Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.
Initially serving as a qualifier for the 2008 Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens in Uganda, the competition gained momentum after Rugby Sevens was accepted as an Olympic sport in 2009, inspiring Rugby Africa to expand and professionalise the women’s game.
Over the years, the tournament has evolved from featuring nine teams to twelve by 2024, reflecting its growing inclusivity and parity with the men’s category. South Africa remains the most dominant nation with 11 titles, while Kenya and Tunisia have also claimed historic single victories each.
Nairobi host event
This year, the tournament will be coming to Nairobi, marking the second time it has been hosted in Kenya, following 2014.
As rugby enthusiasts gear up for mouthwatering clashes at the RFUEA Grounds, Sports and Creative Economy Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has rallied fans to throng the Ngong Road facility in support of the Lionesses.
The Sports CS has also rallied rugby enthusiasts to throng RFUEA Grounds in support of the home side, the Kenya Lionesses.
”As a country, we stand firmly proud and confident in our Kenya Lionesses, who stand ready, focused, and determined to reclaim the continental crown and advance their quest for core status in the HSBC SVNS Series. Let us turn up in our numbers and demonstrate the unbreakable spirit of African rugby,” the CS said in a statement on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Lionesses squad named
Ahead of the showpiece, Kenya Lionesses Head Coach Simon Odongo has named a strong 13-player squad set to represent the country at the tourney.
The experienced Sheila Chajira and Grace Okulu will co-captain the side, bringing leadership and consistency to a squad that blends experience with youthful energy. Janet Okello will serve as vice-captain, providing further depth and composure to the leadership group.
The full squad is as follows:
- Naomi Amuguni
- Nelly Chikombe
- Moreen Muritu
- Christabel Lindo
- Sheila Chajira (Co-Captain)
- Phoebe Akinyi
- Edith Nariaka
- Sinaida Nyachio
- Grace Okulu (Co-Captain)
- Faith Livoi
- Janet Okello (Vice-Captain)
- Freshia Awino
- Ann Namunyak
The Lionesses have been drawn in Pool B alongside Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, where they will look to kick off their campaign on a strong note as they target reclaiming continental glory on home soil.