- Rising Kenya Lionesses star Nelly Chikombe was elated after making her debut for the national women’s rugby sevens team.
- Chikombe made her first appearance on Saturday, November 15, at the RFUEA Grounds.
- She managed to score two tries for the Lionesses in the group-stage matches against Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
Rising Kenya Lionesses star Nelly Chikombe was elated after making her debut for the national women’s rugby 7s team on Saturday, November 15, scoring two tries at the Africa Women’s 7s 2025 tournament.
Chikombe, who is among the players competing in the event hosted by Kenya Lionesses at the RFUEA grounds, entered the fray during the group stage matches.
ALSO READ: Kenya Lionesses stay perfect to book Africa Women’s 7s 2025 quarterfinal spot
She first appeared as a substitute against Cote d’Ivoire, scoring the final try in a dominant 44-0 victory.
She then came off the bench again to help secure a 37-0 win over Ghana, ensuring the team advanced to the main cup quarterfinals with an unblemished record.
Rising Kenya Lionesses star Nelly Chikombe elated after her debut
Speaking to the SportPesa blog after her fantastic day, the 25-year-old revealed that despite battling a cold, she managed to step onto the big stage and deliver as expected.
“I feel excited to make my debut today. I was battling the cold flu, but I thank God for everything. I managed to push myself, and it has happened,” she said.
She added that she was anxious coming into the match but succeeded in overcoming her nerves.
“I feel good to have played today because it is not easy. When I was leaving the team hotel, I was really anxious, as it was my first time playing in such a big tournament with new faces. But my day has ended well.”
Nelly Chikombe credits coach Simon Odongo for her cuccess
The fleet-footed winger explained how she received a call-up from coach Simon Odongo while still nursing knee pain. She decided to answer the call, a decision that proved worthwhile as she felt no discomfort on the field.
“The moment I got the call-up was thrilling. But I was also battling some severe pain in my knees, and I told Coach Simon Odongo to just include me in the squad and not eliminate me. Today, I have played, and I’m happy I did not feel anything.”
The Impala RFC women’s player credited her success so far to Coach Odongo, whom she described as a savior who has been there for her since her comeback.
“I think my success so far can be attributed to Coach Odongo. He has helped me immensely since I returned; he has been pushing me in training camp, offering excellent advice on how to play, and has helped me regain my strength and speed.”
ALSO READ: All about the upcoming 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup in Nairobi
Who did Nelly Chikombe enjoy playing alongside?
Speaking on her chemistry with the rest of the Kenya Lionesses squad, Chikombe stated that she particularly enjoyed playing with Christabel Lindo and Phoebe Akinyi.
“I have really enjoyed playing with Christabel Lindo, ‘Tata,’ and also Phoebe Akinyi. When I asked for the ball, those two managed to assist me. Our target is to win and go all the way to the finals to win the championship.”
The Kenya Lionesses face another challenge on Sunday as they take on Zimbabwe in the main Cup quarterfinal, aiming to advance to the finals and reclaim the title they last won in 2018.
