Captain of Nigeria’s women’s national rugby league team, Blessing Funmilayo Aladeyelu, says the Green Falcons are proud to have made history as the first African team to compete at the IRL Women’s Rugby League World Series, despite missing out on qualification for the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Green Falcons began their campaign in Canada with a 10–0 win over Ireland before falling 62–4 to Fiji in the final. Their outing made them the first African women’s team to feature at the World Series.
In an exclusive interview with ACLSports, Aladeyelu expressed delight at the milestone and the role her team has played in expanding the reach of the sport.
“It feels so good and exciting,” she began. “It’s history on its own that Nigeria Women’s Rugby League Green Falcons are the first African team to compete at this stage. I’m having the best feeling in the world.”
Reflecting on their opening win, the captain revealed the mentality that drove the team into the match against Northern Ireland.
“Before that match, we told ourselves that once we step on the pitch, everyone should know Nigeria is present,” she said.
“We approached it like a final, gave it everything, and we were super excited when we got the win. Ireland were tough, but we worked for it.”
Their defeat to Fiji, she admitted, came with strong emotions, but the team remained proud of their journey and performance.
“There were emotions everywhere,” she noted. “Fiji are a very strong and physical team. We trained, we re-strategised, but they got that one. Despite the result, we were proud we reached that stage, it’s not easy.”
On a personal note, Aladeyelu described the Rugby League tournament as a major career milestone.
“It meant everything to me,” she said. “I’m the first captain to take the Green Falcons to this level. In future I will say I captained Nigeria at the World Cup qualifiers, it’s a big one for me.”
She also highlighted the strong team spirit within the squad, describing it as a sisterhood built on honesty and unity.
“Every team has ups and downs, we argue, we disagree,” she explained. “But once we’re on the pitch, we have each other’s backs. We are sisters.”
The captain added that the experience in Canada came with important lessons, especially adapting to a new climate and environment.
“We learnt many things,” she said. “The weather affected us because many home-based players weren’t used to that cold. Communication, catching, even the food, it was all different. But it taught us to push beyond our comfort zone.”
Looking ahead, Aladeyelu revealed her plans for continued development in the rugby league and on personal level.
“Many things are coming up,” she added. “By God’s grace I have a training tour in the UK soon, then we move to the next level.”
She concluded by expressing hope that the team’s achievement will inspire the next generation of female rugby players across the continent.
“It will make a big impact on future players. Female rugby is here to stay, we are paving the way,” she said. “In three to four years, we will skyrocket. There are young players coming through, and we dey show working.”
Nigeria’s Green Falcons will now focus on building on the progress made in Canada as preparations continue for future tournaments.
