Grace Adhiambo returns as Kenya Lionesses squad for Africa Women's 7s is named
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 12.11.25. | 14:20
The former Nakuru RFC playmaker earned her move to France after impressing with the Kenya Lionesses in the HSBC SVNS Challenger Series, where she played a key role in helping Kenya claim their first-ever Challenger title
Grace Adhiambo is back in action as Kenya Lionesses prepare for the Africa Women’s Sevens, scheduled for Saturday, 15, to Sunday, 16 November at the RFUEA Grounds.
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Adhiambo returns from French Elite 2 side Racing 92, where she joined in September ahead of their new campaign. She was unveiled alongside Igoudou Bamba, Marie Aurélie Castel, Marie Bouchardeau, and Khalya Sissoko-Ahamada.
Racing 92 has been recruiting talent since June in preparation for their Elite 2 season, which kicked off in October and will run until June 2026. Adhiambo joined just in time for pre-season training.
The former Nakuru RFC playmaker earned her move to France after impressing with the Kenya Lionesses in the HSBC SVNS Challenger Series, where she played a key role in helping Kenya claim their first-ever Challenger title.
A stalwart of the Lionesses since 2016, Adhiambo has also represented Kenya in both 15s and Sevens, featuring in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the Rugby Africa Cup Sevens, Africa Women’s Rugby 15s, the Elgon Cup, and the 2023 WXV3 tournament in Dubai.
She has also previously played for Japanese outfit MIE Pearls Women’s Rugby Football Club.
Coach Simon Odongo has further strengthened the squad with the addition of Japan-based speedster Janet Okello, who was named player of the final during the Safari Sevens.
The core of the squad remains unchanged from the one that reclaimed the Safari Sevens title, with Nelly Chikombe, who played for Cubs during the tournament, earning a senior team call-up alongside Phoebe Akinyi.
Faith Achieng, Marvel Oswago, and Charity Nillah are the notable absentees from the Safari Sevens squad.
The team boasts an abundance of talent, including Naomi Amuguni, Nelly Chikombe, Christabel Lindo, Sheila Chajira, Phoebe Akinyi, Sinaida Mokaya, Faith Livoi, and Freshia Awino.
The Lionesses have been drawn in Pool B alongside Ghana and Ivory Coast, with their opener against the former set to rekindle memories of last year’s group-stage clash in Accra, where Kenya secured a convincing 41-0 win.
Last year, the Lionesses fell just short of continental glory, losing 12-7 to South Africa in the final after going unbeaten through the group stages and semifinals, a consistency Odongo hopes his side will build on as they target their first African crown since 2018.
The 2025 edition carries extra significance, serving as the African qualifier for the 2026 World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series, with only the tournament winner earning the coveted slot.
Elsewhere, 12-time champions South Africa headline Pool A alongside Zimbabwe and Mauritius, while Uganda, runners-up at the Safari Sevens, lead Pool C with Zambia and Burkina Faso. Pool D features Madagascar, Tunisia, and Egypt.
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