The Nigerian women’s rugby league team, the Green Falcons, is set to intensify preparations for their debut at the 2025 Rugby League World Series with a series of friendly matches against Ghana and France. The team will also participate in the third edition of the women’s league as part of their build-up to the global tournament.
This follows their remarkable performance at the Middle East-Africa Women’s Rugby League World Cup Qualifiers against Kenya in September 2024. In a historic encounter, Nigeria faced Kenya in a two-legged qualifier held at the NYS Headquarters in Nairobi. The Green Falcons secured a 22-14 victory in the first match, displaying their offensive prowess. Despite an 8-0 loss in the second match, Nigeria advanced on aggregate scores, with both teams tied at 22 points each. The decisive factor was goal kicks, where Nigeria edged out Kenya by three goals to two, earning their place in the World Series.
“As part of their intensive preparations, the Green Falcons will participate in the third edition of the Women’s League, which coincides with the men’s and U-19 leagues. This integrated approach aims to foster a cohesive development environment across all levels of Nigerian rugby league,” the Nigeria Rugby League Association (NRLA) said in a statement.
The NRLA also confirmed that the team has lined up friendly matches against the national women’s teams of Ghana and France. These matches are expected to provide the Green Falcons with diverse competitive experiences, crucial for refining their strategies ahead of the World Series.
The Green Falcons’ journey has been marked by significant milestones. In November 2023, they secured their first international victory with a commanding 40-4 win over Ghana in Lagos. This triumph bolstered the team’s confidence and signaled Nigeria’s growing presence in women’s rugby league.
Since its establishment in 2019, the NRLA has played a pivotal role in advancing rugby league in Nigeria. Under the leadership of chairman Olawale Cole, the association has developed national leagues and school competitions, leading to Nigeria’s ascent to the top of African rankings and 17th globally.
The upcoming World Series presents an unprecedented opportunity for the Green Falcons to showcase their talents on the international stage. With formidable opponents such as Fiji, Canada, and Ireland, the team is committed to rigorous training and strategic planning to make a strong impact at the global tournament.
