The Black Stallions of Nigeria on Tuesday lost to Zambia 30-20 in their first match at Confederation of African Rugby organised Africa Cup 1C in Gaborone, Botswana.

Zambia scored first in the early stage of the game with two tries but Nigeria found their rhythm and ensured that the first half ended at 13-13.

The second half saw a domination of the game by the Zambians, who trenched the Stallions’ back line with a try.

However, Azeez Ladipo launched an attack by setting up Samson Yahaya for another try to draw level at 20-20. The Zambians nicked it in the final third with 2 late tries to end the game at 30-20.

Speaking from Botswana, the technical director of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Olatunji Fasimoye, said that the team tried their best and would concentrate on their remaining matches.

“It’s not a bad game for a new team,” Fasimoye said.

“The players are now determined to go on and do well in subsequent games.”

The Stallions will take on Swaziland on Wednesday in their second game of the African Cup 1C.