Kenya Lionesses target continental glory as Africa Women’s 7s returns to Nairobi

The RFUEA Grounds will come alive this weekend as the Africa Women’s 7s kicks off on Saturday, 15 November, welcoming 12 of the continent’s finest teams for a two-day showdown that promises high intensity, rising talent, and a clear pathway to the global stage.

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Apart from continental bragging rights, the stakes could not be higher. The tournament doubles as a qualifier for the 2026 World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series, while also offering crucial preparation for the World Rugby Sevens Series Division Two set to begin in February 2026.

Pools set

Kenya’s Lionesses headline Pool B together with Ghana and Ivory Coast.

Their opening fixture against Ghana is expected to evoke memories of last year’s comfortable 41-0 win in Accra, though head coach Simon Odongo insisted the team is not taking anything for granted.

The Lionesses are motivated by last year’s painful near-miss, where they went unbeaten through the group stages and semifinals, before falling 12-7 to South Africa in the final.

Kenya moves step closer to hosting World HSBC 7s Series leg

Their last continental crown came in 2018, and Odongo believes consistency will be key if they are to reclaim the throne on home soil.

South Africa, 12-time champions and perennial favourites, headline Pool A alongside Zimbabwe and Mauritius. Uganda, runners-up at the recent Safari Sevens, top Pool C with Zambia and Burkina Faso, while Pool D brings together Madagascar, Tunisia, and Egypt.

Lionesses name powerful squad

The Lionesses received a major boost with the return of playmaker Grace Adhiambo, who checks back into camp after joining French Elite 2 side Racing 92 in September.

Her move to France followed a standout Challenger Series campaign, where she was instrumental in Kenya’s first-ever title win.

Racing 92 has been actively rebuilding for their Elite 2 season which runs through June 2026 and Adhiambo joined just in time for preseason, unveiled alongside new recruits Igoudou Bamba, Marie Aurélie Castel, Marie Bouchardeau, and Khalya Sissoko-Ahamada.

Coach Odongo’s squad is further strengthened by the inclusion of Japan-based speedster Janet “Shebesh” Okello, who lit up the Safari Sevens and was named Player of the Final as Kenya reclaimed the title.

Several core players from the triumphant Safari Sevens squad remain, including Naomi Amuguni, Nelly Chikombe, Christabel Lindo, Sheila Chajira, Sinaida Mokaya, Faith Livoi, and Freshia Awino.

Rising star Nelly Chikombe, who featured for Cubs during the Safari Sevens, earns a senior call-up alongside Phoebe Akinyi.

Notably missing from the touring party are Faith Achieng, Marvel Oswago, and Charity Nillah.

Grace Adhiambo returns as Kenya Lionesses squad for Africa Women's 7s is named

What the coach expects

Speaking ahead of the tournament, head coach Odongo stressed the importance of adapting quickly, especially against unfamiliar opponents.

“We did not play Côte d’Ivoire last year. We played Ghana and beat them twice. We start with Côte d’Ivoire, so we prepare for them first. They may come with a bag full of tricks, so our job is to be efficient in attack and defense and hope the system carries us through the day," he said.

A tournament rich in history and purpose

Since its inception in 2004, the Africa Women’s Sevens has grown into one of the continent’s most influential platforms for women’s rugby.

Initially involving only North African teams, the tournament expanded significantly after rugby sevens was accepted as an Olympic sport in 2009. This milestone pushed Rugby Africa to elevate the women’s game, improving competitiveness and creating clear Olympic qualification pathways.

Over the years, the tournament has evolved in size and significance:

◾Until 2022, it featured nine teams.

◾In 2023, it adopted an eight-team format used to determine Africa’s slot for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

◾In 2024, the edition held in Ghana expanded to 12 teams, the same number featured this year, mirroring the men’s format and widening participation.

South Africa leads the honours list with an unmatched 11 titles, while Kenya’s sole triumph came in 2018. Tunisia also etched their name into history books with a memorable win in 2012.

©Tabby Nashipae

The competition has produced dramatic moments, including Tunisia’s surprise third-place finish in 2022, and Madagascar’s remarkable qualification for the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens, historic milestones for both nations.

Beyond continental supremacy, the Africa Women’s 7s has also been a critical gateway for African teams seeking Olympic participation and entry into the HSBC Challenger Series, helping elevate the region’s presence on the global rugby map.