Nigeria women’s national rugby league team, the Green Falcons, defeated Ireland 10-0 in the semi-final of the IRL Women’s Rugby League World Series 2025 at the Terry Fox Stadium in Canada on Tuesday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Nigeria, who led 4-0 at half-time against the Ireland side displayed impressive defensive discipline and composure to secure a hard-fought win that takes them to the brink of qualifying for the Rugby League World Cup.
Prop Fedelia Omoghan opened the scoring for the Falcons in the 14th minute, crashing through the Irish defence to give her side an early lead.
Ireland threatened just before the break when fullback Lily Rogan broke a tackle and looked certain to score, but the Wests Tigers star was held up by a determined Nigerian defence, who stood firm to preserve their 4-0 advantage at half-time.
The Green Falcons extended their lead in the 69th minute when second-rower Rachel Iliya pounced on a loose ball and raced 85 metres to score under the posts. Faustina Akeje converted to seal a memorable 10-0 win for the Nigerians.
Nigeria fielded a balanced side with Umude Blessing starting at fullback, while Iyoha Success and Ukwuoma Endurance operated on the wings. Aladeyelu Blessing and Abiola Obazuaye formed the centre pairing, with Shondell Akhabue and Innocent Adaeze combining in the halves.
In the forwards, Adeola King and Fedelia Omoghan anchored the front row alongside hooker Becky Okitikpe, while Rachel Iliya and Vera Akhihiero-Pedro controlled the second row. Faustina Akeje started at lock, with Chinaza Abbah, Bayere Gabriel Lauretta, Akinade Rukayat, and Danyelle Shobanjo providing impact from the interchange bench.
Head coach Bolu Fagborun praised his players’ resilience and defensive effort, particularly after the team were forced to play a player down while Shondell Akhabue was in the sin-bin either side of half-time.
“We set our goal to defend really well, and the girls executed that brilliantly,” Fagborun said. “We knew if we kept them from scoring, we’d win the game, and that’s exactly what happened. The defensive effort was phenomenal, and this result means a lot for Nigerian rugby league and for the Middle East–Africa region.”
Nigeria’s victory sets up a World Series final clash with Fiji, who beat Canada 48-0 in the other semi-final.
The decider takes place on Sunday, 26 October, at Terry Fox Stadium, with the winner earning the final women’s spot at the IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026 in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
