Nigeria’s women’s national rugby league team, the Green Falcons, fell short of their World Cup dream after suffering a 62–4 defeat to Fiji’s Bulikula in the final of the IRL Women’s Rugby League World Series 2025 at the Terry Fox Stadium in Canada on Sunday.
The humbling result ended Nigeria’s hopes of securing a maiden appearance at the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup, with Fiji clinching the eighth and final qualification spot.
Head coach Bolu Fagborun fielded a well-balanced starting 13 for the decisive clash, with Aladeyelu Blessing at fullback and Iyoha Success and Ukwuoma Endurance operating on the wings.
Siobhan Sheerin and Abiola Obazuaye started in the centres, while Shondell Akhabue and Innocent Adaeze combined in the halves.
In the forwards, Adeola King and Fedelia Omoghan anchored the front row alongside hooker Becky Okitikpe, with Rachel Iliya and Vera Pedro in the second row. Faustina Akeje started at lock.
Fiji led 28–4 at halftime and produced a ruthless second-half performance, scoring 34 unanswered points to seal their first-ever World Cup qualification.
Fighting Spirit Despite Defeat
The Green Falcons earned praise for their resilience and fighting spirit throughout the tournament, despite the heavy loss. Nigeria had reached the final after defeating Ireland 10–0 in the semi-final.
Against Fiji, the Nigerian side showed flashes of attacking creativity but struggled to contain the Pacific Islanders’ pace and physicality.
2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup Qualified List
Fiji will now join as the eighth team set to contest the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup, scheduled to be co-hosted by Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Qualified countries include;
- Australia
- New Zealand
- England
- Papua New Guinea
- Samoa, France,
- Wales
- Fiji
Preparation Through Ghana Friendlies
Before travelling to Canada, the Green Falcons honed their tactics with a successful friendly series against Ghana’s Leopardess at the Alaro City International Rugby Pitch in Lekki, Lagos.
Nigeria won the second leg 24–8, completing a double over their West African rivals.
After a 40–0 win in the first game, the Ghanaians put up a stronger fight in the return leg, trailing 12–2 at halftime and cutting the score to 16–8 before Faustina Akeje’s late try sealed victory for the hosts.
The match turned physical at times, with heated exchanges between players, but Nigeria maintained composure to close out the win.
Officials Praise Progress and Focus
Following the friendly games, General Manager of the Nigeria Rugby League Association (NRLA), Isah Lawal, said the performances provided valuable insight ahead of the World Series.
“We wanted to make this game more structured and more constructed, and them being able to score this time, we don’t see it as a negative, but now we know the areas to tighten up and make sure we are sharp at the tournament,”
— Isah Lawal, NRLA General Manager
NRLA Chairman, Abiodun Cole credited the strong domestic and international collaboration responsible for Nigeria’s progress, also he is confident in the team’s direction.
“We have a lot of support from ex-players who are home and abroad. The team’s strategy involves combining local players with those based abroad to create a formidable squad.”
“With faith in their abilities and God’s guidance, the team is looking forward to putting up a good show in Canada.”
— Abiodun Cole, NRLA Chairman
