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IRL World Series 2025: Nigeria name extended squad
Nigeria women’s head coach, former professional Bolu Fagborun, has named a 35-player squad for their trip to Canada to play in the inaugural IRL Women’s Rugby Legue World Series, which will see the final nation qualify for the 2026 IRL Women’s World Cup determined.
The Green Falcons face Ireland in their opening game in Brampton, Ontario on a quest to be the first African women’s nation to make the global decider.
Fagborun, who recently spent time recruiting potential players and staff in Australia, has picked a cosmopolitan selection, drawing from as many influences as he can.
“It’s got quite a global feel to it,” said Fagborun, who made his Super League debut for Huddersfield Giants in 2004. “We’ve got players based in England, Australia, Canada and obviously the home girls, it’s given us the opportunity to show ourselves in our best light.”
While experience will come principally from the heritage players, the plan is to put the focus well and truly on those performing in the burgeoning domestic competition in Nigeria. Players included are drawn from all of their five women’s championship clubs, Lagos Bulls the current defending champions, with the local competition having seen player numbers and matches almost double year-on-year.
“To have that mix will really help them progress,” he acknowledged.
“Peace Lekuru from Uganda, who is currently starring at York, is a beacon in the sky for the potential of these African players, there’s a huge pathway for our girls if they can show themselves in the best light with competitions like the World Series, a chance to show their athleticism and energy.”
One of Fagborun’s initial challenges will be bringing the disparate parts together into a coherent unit. “We’ve been keeping the local girls together, they’ve been having sessions together in Nigeria,” he confirmed.
“We’ve got an on-line group, had a couple of Zooms and got more planned now the squad has been announced.
“Two of the Australian-based girls we are trying to get into Nigeria prior to going to the World Series which will help, and one of coaches is based in Australia. I’m in constant contact with him, so that has helped glue us together.
“None of the girls are fulltime so we have to bear that in mind, but they all talking about the clothing wanting to be coordinated and looking great!”
One aspect the Falcons have got is a discernible identity, which Fagborun is keen to enhance as part of bringing the squad together. “A month or so ago, I wrote up a doctrine about what the culture of Nigerian rugby league should look like and how it can be got behind,” he revealed.
“It’s from our experiences in the Middle East Africa Championship and what the core values of rugby league are so that everyone can be working from the same sheet, how we behave and what we are trying to get out of the World Series.
“We’ve spoken about community, commitment and staying together for when we go over to Canada and can build up, it’ll be those fine margins that could be the difference.”
The Nigerian squad know little about their opponents but are happy for it to be that way according to Fagborun.
“We’ve tried to look at a couple of clips of Ireland, but we are really concentrating on what we’ve got to offer, we’re a little bit more of an unknown, and least favoured according to the World Rankings so that does give us a bit of freedom.
“If we get things right in terms of attacking flair and natural athleticism, we’ll have a lot to offer. Some of our girls can do 100m in around 11 seconds. It’s tough for women in Nigeria and our girls will play in the realization that good performances here could change their lives.
“We’re two games away from a World Cup but it’s a short turnaround to the next one in 2028 and, ultimately, I’m trying to build long-term success for Nigerian women back home, and they are all super excited. Having these women on a rugby pitch outside Africa is a brilliant opportunity for the sport as well as for them.”
Nigeria squad (35)
Chinaza Abbah, Japhet Akpanwa, Mmesona Ibezilim, Rachel Iliya, Shukurat Nojimu, Cynthia Obi , Endurance Ukwuoma, Blessing Umude (Eko Trinity), Elizabeth Adie, Ruth Odey (Kano Lions), Rukayat Akinade, Blessing Aladeyelu, Lauretta Bayere, Chukwunekwu Divine, Adaeze Innocent, Rukayat Jimoh, Muinat Osen (Lagos Bulls), Aminah Oluwabunmi, Danyelle Shobanjo (London Broncos), Catherine Akeje (Oran Park Gregory Hills Chargers), Adeola King (Ottawa Tigers Rl), Vera Akhihiero, Kafayat Ashagbesoro, Ayewe Helen, Success Iyoha, Perpetual Nwanna, Abiola Obazuaye, Becky Okitikpe, Adaolisa Thecular Onyedikachi, Olaitan Sanusi (R2 Finesse Academy), Favour Irimagha (Sheffield Eagles), Shondell Akhabue (Wentworthville Magpies), Annique Omodiagbe (Wests Tigers), Grace Oreofe David (Zaria Bees), Faustina Akeje (unattached)*
* Formerly Canterbury Bulldogs
IRL Women's World Series 2025
Venue: Terry Fox Stadium, Brampton, Ontario
Tuesday, October 21
Semi-final: Ireland v Nigeria (3.30pm)
Semi-final: Canada v Fiji (6pm)
Sunday, October 26
Third-place play-off: Semi-final losers (1pm)
Final: Semi-final winners (3.30pm)