Nigeria’s women’s national rugby league team, the Green Falcons, saw their 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup dreams dashed 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 heavy loss meant Nigeria narrowly missed out on qualifying for their maiden World Cup appearance, as Fiji claimed the eighth and final ticket to the global showpiece.
Head coach Bolu Fagborun named a balanced lineup for the decisive clash, featuring Aladeyelu Blessing at fullback and Iyoha Success and Ukwuoma Endurance on the wings, while Siobhan Sheerin and Abiola Obazuaye operated in the centres. Shondell Akhabue and Innocent Adaeze started in the halves, with Adeola King, Fedelia Omoghan, and Becky Okitikpe anchoring the front row.
Fiji led 28–4 at halftime and turned on the style in the second half, scoring 34 unanswered points to seal a dominant win and their first-ever Women’s Rugby League World Cup qualification.
Fighting Spirit Despite Defeat
Despite the setback, the Green Falcons were praised for their resilience and spirit throughout the tournament. Nigeria had earlier defeated Ireland 10–0 in the semi-final to reach the final.
Though outclassed by the more experienced Fijians, Nigeria showed flashes of creativity in attack and maintained commendable composure against a physically superior opponent.
2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup Qualified Teams
The 2026 edition, to be co-hosted by Australia and Papua New Guinea, will feature the following eight teams:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- England
- Papua New Guinea
- Samoa
- France
- Wales
- Fiji
Preparation Through Ghana Friendlies
Before heading to Canada, the Green Falcons fine-tuned their tactics in a two-match friendly series against Ghana’s Leopardess at the Alaro City International Rugby Pitch in Lekki, Lagos.
Nigeria won both games 40–0 in the first leg and 24–8 in the second, showcasing attacking depth and defensive discipline ahead of the qualifiers.
Officials Commend Progress
NRLA General Manager Isah Lawal praised the team’s growth and tactical improvement:
“We wanted to make this game more structured and more constructed… Now we know the areas to tighten up ahead of future tournaments.”
NRLA Chairman Abiodun Cole highlighted the positive impact of blending local and foreign-based talent:
“We have strong support from ex-players at home and abroad. The strategy is clear combine experience and youthful energy to build a formidable side for the future.”
Despite missing out on the 2026 World Cup, the Green Falcons’ rise marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s rugby league story one of progress, unity, and potential for continental dominance.
