IRL World Series 2025: Heritage stars bolster Nigeria

An aspiring NRLW star and two other NRL pathways products, including a NSW Under 18s representative, are set to help Nigeria qualify for the World Cup and assistant coach Luke Shearman is hoping to unearth more Australasian-based talent.

Shearman, who is involved in pathways for Wests Tigers, is the Nigerian Rugby League Association’s representative in Australia and New Zealand, and he has identified Shondell Akhabue, Annique Oyinlola and Catherine Akeje for October’s World Series in Canada.

With the final women’s berth in next year’s Rugby League World Cup up for grabs, Shearman is looking for more players with Nigerian heritage who could bolster the squad to play Ireland at Terry Fox Stadium in Brampton October 21.

The winner will face the victor of the Canada-Fiji play-off at the same venue in the final on October 26 for a spot at the 2026 World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea.

“We have got our squad in Nigeria but if there is anybody who puts themselves forward and can strengthen the team we will definitely look at them,” Shearman said.

“I am sure that there are other Nigerian players in Australia and in New Zealand, so I want them to know that I am here to look after development for the Nigerian Rugby League Association in Australasia. It is a great opportunity to represent Nigeria.”

Photo: Assistant coach Luke Shearman is Nigeria Rugby League Association's representative in Australasia.

Akhabue, who represented NSW Under 18s in 2019 alongside Olivia Kernick, Jaime Chapman, Teagan Berry and Caitlan Johnston-Green, has played for the Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers at Tarsha Gale Cup and NSWRL Women’s Premiership level.

“I have played rugby league since I was 13 and I have played at multiple levels. I have played Harvey Norman, I have played for NSW in the Under 18s State of Origin. I am 23 now, so I like to think I am wise when it comes to rugby league,” Akhabue said.

“It would be great to play for Nigeria, especially when there aren’t that many women’s teams representing Nigeria, other than the Olympics.

“It is a part of me, it is my culture so it would be a great honour, and I would be grateful for the experience”

Oyinlola, 20, joined the Wests Tigers Harvey Norman Premiership squad this season, while Akeje, 21, has played Tarsha Gale Cup for St George Dragons.

“My dad is Nigerian and it would be really cool to represent that side of my family,” said Oyinlola, who plays in the outside backs. “It would mean a lot to my family. My grandmother is in the UK, so it would really good for her to see me play for Nigeria.”

Akeje and her sister Faustina, who played Tarsha Gale Cup for Parramatta Eels last season, were born in Nigeria and moved to Australia in 2016.

“I feel this is a good opportunity to just have everyone looking up to us girls and seeing what we can do in sport,” Akeje said. “We carry that with pride and want to put it out there to show people that women in sport is coming up to be great, especially for Nigeria.”

Nigerian coach Bolu Fagborun travelled to Australia earlier this year to meet with Shearman and the heritage players recruited by Shearman, while also visiting NRL and NRLW teams.

Photo: Nigerian heritage players Faustina Akeje, Annique Oyinlola, Catherine Akeje and Shondell Akhabue with assistant coach Luke Shearman, head coach Bolu Fagborun and representatives of the Nigerian High Commission.

Domestic players Rachel Iliya and Blessing Aladeyelu have recently joined English clubs and Shearman said the World Series would be an opportunity to showcase more Nigerian talent.

“There is the potential for a direct pathway from Nigeria to Australia, or to the UK as a stepping stone,” he said.

“The two girls who have been selected to go over to the UK are two of the best locally based Nigerian players and it is a huge opportunity for them.”

The game is also growing off the field in Nigeria, with NRLA officials recently meeting with representatives of the Nigerian Sports Council.

The NRLA has also secured a sponsorship with Alaro City, a new development in Lagos which is set to include a purpose-built rugby league facility that could host international matches.

“If you want to grow rugby league in Africa, Nigeria is the place to do it,” Shearman said.

“The Nigerian Government has got a real big emphasis on sport to grow relationships with other countries.

“We need to prove ourselves but we know that if we can show them what we are capable of they will see the potential.”

The Green Falcons are planning to prepare for the World Series with a training camp in Nigeria and back-to-back international fixtures against Ghana before travelling to Canada.