Women’s Rugby League World Series: Nigeria Eyes Historic Victory Over Fiji

Posted : 24 October 2025

Nigeria’s Green Falcons will face Fiji in the Women’s Rugby League World Series final, aiming for their first-ever Rugby League World Cup qualification.

The Nigeria National Rugby team, the Green Falcons, after a historic run at the ongoing Women’s Rugby League World Series in Canada, is set for another epic clash against Fiji.

The Green Falcons, having defeated Ireland 10-0 in a hard-fought first semi-final, will square off against the Fijian women’s rugby league team, the Bulikula, who demolished host Canada 48-0 in the second semi-final at the same venue.

On paper, the Canadian team was considered the favorite, particularly as some of their players were returning from the recently concluded Women’s 15s Rugby Union World Cup in England last month. However, it was Fiji that carried the day against Canada.

On Sunday, earlier in the day, Ireland will face host Canada in the 3rd Place Bronze match, while Nigeria and Fiji will meet in a historic encounter for the sole African slot at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Australia. Both teams are aiming to make history by qualifying for their first World Cup appearance.

In the semi-final against Ireland, Fedelia Omoghan scored the first try from a breakdown play on Ireland’s 10m line, while Rachel Iliya intercepted a pass to complete a 75m solo run for the second try. The game was a tough, physical challenge for the Green Falcons, marking their first encounter with a highly professional side.

Umude Blessing is expected to recover quickly from a knee knock, while other players will be ready after completing their sessions with doctors and physiotherapists.

Neither the Fijian Bulikula nor the Nigerian Green Falcons have ever qualified for a Rugby League World Cup, making the upcoming final a historic opportunity for both teams.

The Green Falcons and the Nigeria Rugby League Association have received significant encouragement from the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, who congratulated the team on their semi-final victory over Ireland. He described this achievement as a milestone for Nigerian sports, highlighting NSC’s positive impact across disciplines like Taekwondo, Badminton, Cricket, and Swimming.

Led by coach Bolu Fagborun, the Nigerian team demonstrated resilience and defensive skill to secure their 10-0 semi-final win at Terry Fox Stadium. The DG also commended the leadership and management of Nigeria Rugby League for their behind-the-scenes efforts that contributed to this success.

The DG urged the Green Falcons to make history by defeating Fiji in the final, becoming the first African team to win the IRL Women’s Rugby League World Series. A victory would also secure Nigeria’s spot at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, further cementing their status as pioneers for African women’s rugby league.

The Green Falcons carry not only the hopes of Nigeria but of the entire African continent as they aim to achieve a historic milestone at Terry Fox Stadium this Sunday.

Women’s Rugby League World Series: Nigeria Eyes Historic Victory Over Fiji

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