Venue: Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi
Dates: October 10-12, 2025
Rating: 8.5/10
The Bottom Line
Kenya’s national men’s and women’s sevens teams, Shujaa and the Lionesses, swept the 2025 Safari Sevens titles, with the men’s side securing a historic fourth consecutive championship and the women’s side dethroning the previous champions. It was a weekend of redemption, resilience, and national pride as both Kenyan teams delivered when it mattered most.
The Historic Return to Nyayo
The 27th edition of Safari Sevens marked a return to the historic Nyayo National Stadium for the first time since 2021 and the tournament’s return to Nairobi after last year’s edition in Machakos. The last time Nyayo hosted the Safari Sevens was in 2021, when Shujaa defeated Germany in the final.
The significance wasn’t lost on fans—Nyayo holds a special place in Kenyan rugby history, and returning “home” felt like a statement of intent.
Men’s Final: Shujaa’s Nerve-Shredding Victory
Shujaa 14 – 7 Shogun Rugby
Shogun struck first, capitalizing on a Kenyan error just one minute into the game for a 7-0 lead. The match remained tight until just before halftime when Nygel Amaitsa powered over the line, assisted by co-captain Samwel Asati, to level the score.
Shogun would be reduced to six men for a few minutes, and the Kenyans took full advantage, with Amaitsa landing it home to equalize, making it 7-7. Shogun thought they had taken the lead again through Antonio Lopez, but it was ruled out after he was adjudged to have obstructed Kevin Wekesa.
Shujaa boss Kevin Wambua then decided to sub on Chrisant Ojwang and Floyd Wabwire for Festus Shiasi and Patrick Odongo respectively, and the results bore dividends, as it was Wabwire who netted the winning try that was well converted.
The Moment: Floyd Wabwire turned on the style to land the winning try as Amaitsa added the extras. Nyayo erupted.
Historic Achievement: The match marked Shujaa’s 14th Safari Sevens title and completed an incredible run of four straight tournament wins (2021, 2023, 2024, 2025).
Shujaa coach Kevin Wambua, who turned 40 on Sunday, said the victory was a sign of good things to come as they start their preparations for the World Rugby Division II Series that kicks off in February. Talk about a birthday gift!
Women’s Final: Lionesses Roar Back
Kenya Lionesses 14 – 10 Uganda Lady Cranes
The Lionesses roared into action almost immediately. Just a minute into the game, Edith Nariaka sliced through the Cranes’ defense to score, and Sinaida Mokaya added the conversion for a 7-0 lead.
But Uganda wasn’t backing down. Uganda swiftly hit back with a try through Comfort Anganyika, narrowing the score to 7-5. Then, just before halftime, Grace Nabagalla crossed over in the left corner, sending the Lady Cranes into the break with a 10-7 lead.
The Comeback: Player-of-the-final Janet Okello took a quick tap penalty to land the winning try as Lionesses gained sweet revenge against Uganda Lady Cranes 14-10.
What It Meant: The Lionesses reclaimed the title they last won in 2021, ending a drought that saw them lose the last two finals. Lionesses skipper Sheila Chagira said winning the title after losing in the last two finals has inspired them to want to perform well in the Women’s Rugby Africa Cup Sevens.
The Road to Glory
Men’s Semi-Finals: Shujaa fought back from behind to beat Zimbabwe 29-19. Zimbabwe led 19-10 early in the second half, but George Ooro broke through to make it 19-15, sparking a strong comeback. Nygel Amaitsa then crossed the line to put Kenya ahead 22-19.
Shogun narrowly beat Kenya Morans 14-12 in the other semifinal, setting up a third consecutive final between the two sides.
Women’s Journey: The Lionesses brushed aside Mwamba Select 24-5 in the quarterfinals before narrowly beating Shogun 12-10 in the semis. The Lady Cranes had stunned the Costa Blanca side 17-12 to reach the final.
The Tournament Experience
Sponsorship & Production: The 2025 Safari Sevens was backed by a Ksh. 10 million sponsorship from Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) through its Tusker brand, reaffirming the brewer’s three-decade-long partnership with Kenyan rugby.
The Tusker Village offered fans an immersive experience featuring live performances, interactive brand zones, and all-weekend festivities that complemented the action on the field.
The Teams: This year’s edition brought together 12 men’s teams and 7-8 women’s teams from across Africa and Europe, including competitive sides from Zimbabwe, Uganda, France, Spain (Shogun), and the United Kingdom.
Ticket Pricing: On Friday (October 10th), entry was just KSh 300, with free seating allowing fans to experience the action from anywhere in the stadium. Affordable pricing helped boost attendance.
The Tragedy That Sobered Celebrations
Warren Abrahams, the 43-year-old head coach of the Belgium women’s sevens team, died on Friday, October 10, 2025, while in Nairobi for the Safari Sevens tournament. He collapsed at Nyayo Stadium and was rushed to a city hospital.
A minute of silence was observed before the finals in honour of the late Belgium women’s sevens coach. Belgium withdrew from the tournament following the death of their coach.
The rugby community mourned deeply. Abrahams was a respected figure who had coached in England, Wales, Germany, USA, and Brazil throughout his career.
Day One Technical Hitch
Not everything went smoothly. The 2025 Safari Sevens edition’s order of play was rescheduled to start earlier on day two as a result of a technical hitch experienced on Friday evening. KRU had previously announced that the matches would run until 8:00pm but this unfortunately did not take place.
The three unplayed matches from Day One kicked off Saturday morning, slightly disrupting the flow but not dampening spirits.
What Worked Well
✅ Home advantage delivered – Both Kenyan teams won in front of passionate crowds
✅ Competitive matches – Close finals kept fans on the edge of their seats
✅ Affordable access – KSh 300 Friday tickets made rugby accessible
✅ Entertainment value – Tusker Village added festival atmosphere
✅ Youth development – U16 age-grade tournament served as curtain-raiser and national trials
✅ International participation – Teams from multiple continents elevated competition
What Could Improve
❌ Technical issues on Day One – Floodlight/logistics problems disrupted schedule
❌ Tragedy overshadowed celebration – Warren Abrahams’ death cast a somber tone
❌ Limited international star power – Compared to peak years with teams from Argentina, New Zealand, Samoa
❌ Sponsorship still recovering – KSh 10M is significant but tournament has had larger backing historically
The Bigger Picture
What’s Next for Shujaa: The Kenya team now shift their attention to the Dubai International Sevens scheduled for next month and the World Rugby Division II Series that kicks off in February.
Lionesses’ Road Ahead: Lionesses now turn their attention to the 2025 Women’s Rugby Africa Cup Sevens that will be held at the RFUEA grounds in Nairobi, from November 14 to 17.
Kenya’s Rugby Ambitions: The successful staging helps Kenya—which is currently bidding to host a leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series (SVNS Series)—demonstrate its capacity to manage a major international tournament.
Players of the Final
Men’s Player of the Final: Samwel Asati (Shujaa Co-Captain)
Women’s Player of the Final: Janet Okello (Lionesses)
Final Verdict: A Weekend of National Pride
The 2025 Safari Sevens delivered what Kenyan fans desperately needed—validation that their teams can dominate when it matters. Shujaa’s four-peat is historic. The Lionesses’ redemption arc is inspiring.
Yes, there were technical hiccups. Yes, the tragedy of Warren Abrahams’ death cast a shadow. But the rugby? The rugby was phenomenal.
Rating Breakdown:
- Competition Quality: 9/10
- Fan Experience: 8/10
- Organization: 7/10 (technical issues Day One)
- Atmosphere: 9/10
- Value for Money: 9/10
- Overall: 8.5/10
The Takeaway: Safari Sevens 2025 proved that when Kenya invests in its sporting infrastructure and brings events home to Nairobi, magic happens. Both teams delivered under pressure, and Nyayo Stadium once again became a fortress for Kenyan rugby.
If you missed it, you missed history.
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