Head coach Simon Odongo has unveiled his 13-member Kenya Lionesses squad for the Africa Women 7s 2025 tournament set to take place at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, Kenya from 15-16 November.
The women’s national rugby 7s side will be seeking to bag only their second ever African title in the tourney bringing together 12 participating teams from across the continent fighting for a single ticket available to the newly introduced World Rugby Seven Division 3.
In the squad named, French-based Grace Okulu who plies her trade with Racing 92, the French’s Top 14 professional league side, headlines the Kenyan team that won its maiden and only title in 2018 after beating Uganda 29-7 in Gaborone, Botswana.
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Okulu has been handed the co-captaincy role and will lead the team alongside the experienced Sheila Chajira.
The exciting Janet Okello will serve as vice-captain, providing further depth and composure to the leadership group.
Aside from Okulu, Phoebe Akinyi and Nelly Chikombe also come into the squad as the players who missed the Safari 7s 2025.
Akinyi missed through injury while Chikombe makes the step up from the Kenya Cubs, the second-string Lionesses team.
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The other players include regulars Naomi Amuguni, Sinaida Mokaya, Moreen Muritu, Christabel Lindo, Edith Nariaka, Faith Livoi and Freshia Awino famously remembered for scoring the try that secured Kenya Lionesses ticket to the SVNS Series Division 2 at the expense of South Africa. Ann Namunyak is the reserve player.
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.
The Lionesses have been beaten in the last two finals in 2023 and 2024, both against South Africa.
Kenya Lionesses squad for 2025 Africa Women’s 7s tournament
- 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