Senior International Matches (Women)

Sat 11th October 2025   - KO  16:00 - Alaro City, Lagos , Nigeria
Official: Olatunbosun Johnson (Nigeria)

Nigeria

24

FT

8

Half Time
12 - 2

Ghana

Tries

Blessing Aladeyely (3)
Lauretta Bayere (26)
Precious Ukwuoma (40)
Becky Okitipe (43)
Faustina Akeje (72)
Abiola Obazuaye (76)

Jacqueline ` Ansah (61)

Goals

Success Iyoha (0/2)
Adaeze Innocent (0/4)

Grace Nketiah (2/2)

Sinbins

Christiana Ndewine (10)
Maria Tii Pegyine. (77)

Match Preview: Nigeria and Ghana prepare for second clash

Nigeria and Ghana women face each other for the second time in six days in a senor international, back at Alaro City in Lagos tomorrow (Saturday), kick off 4pm local time.

The Green Falcons were dominant in the opening encounter, winning 40-0, as they prepare for the IRL Women’s Rugby League World Series in Brampton, Ontario, where a place at the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup is at stake.

Rukayat Akinade and Abiola Obazuaye make way for London Broncos duo Aminah Olaniyan and Danielle Shobanjo who have now linked up with the Nigeria squad and come into contention.

“It’s another great opportunity for us to build on what we learned from our first game and make the necessary adjustments. This match is especially important as it’s our final hit-out before heading to Canada." Nigeria coach Luke Shearman said. "

"We’re focused on putting in a strong performance, sticking to our game plan and executing with precision.”

Ghana will be without Henrietta Arhin who suffered a concussion in the first game but are otherwise unchanged. The squad has spent time reviewing Tuesday’s encounter in daily training with a view to a better display.

“As a team we have learnt a lot and promise an improved performance come Saturday,” said captain Elizabeth Adongo, one of ten players from the Accra club. “This is extremely valuable time together and we intend to make the most of it, we are learning every day."

Nigeria Squad

Faustina Akeje (Canterbury Bulldogs), Precious Ukwuoma, Chinaza Abbah, Confidence Ibezilim (Eko Trinity), Lauretta Bayere, Rukayat Jimoh, Adaeze Innocent, Muinat Oseni, Blessing Aladeyelu (Lagos Bulls), Aminah Olaniyan, Danielle Shobanjo (London Broncos), Catherine Akeje (Oran Park Gregory Hills Chargers), Vera Akhihiero-Pedro, Becky Okitipe, Success Iyoha, Adaolisa Onyedika (R2 Finesse), Favour Irimagha (Sheffield Eagles). 

Update: 11/10/25: Rukayat Akinade and Abiola Obazuaye replace Adeola King and Blessing Umude in the 19-player squad on medical grounds. 

Ghana Squad

Elizabeth Adongo, Jacqueline Ansah, Charity Abisitemi Ateng, Ivy Benyah, Fati Bhom, Gracelove Hammond, Eunice Lawoe, Millicent Njomaba, Gifty Sowa Hilaria Wuaku (Accra), Christiana Ndewine (Aduman Secondary), Mary Kesse (Afigya Secondary Technical), Minawara Alhassan, Celestine Kumah, Mariama Musah, Rejoice Osei (Awutu), Grace Nketiah (Pentecost SHS), Maria Tii Pegyine (St. Michaels SHS).

10 October 2025
1 Favour Irmagha
Full Back
Celestine Kumah 1
2 Lauretta Bayere
Right Wing
Eunice Lawoe 2
3 Precious Ukwuoma
Right Centre
Millicent Njomaba 3
4 Blessing Aladeyely
Left Centre
Maria Tii Pegyine. 4
5 Success Iyoha
Left Wing
Gifty Sowah 5
6 Rukaykat Akinade
Stand Off
Elizabeth Adongo 6
7 Adaeze Innocent
Scrum Half
Jacqueline ` Ansah 7
8 Danielle Shobanjo
Prop
Hilaria Wuaku 8
9 Becky Okitipe
Hooker
Fati Bhom 9
10 Aminah Olaniyan
Prop
Christiana Ndewine 10
11 Abiola Obazuaye
Second Row
Minawara Alhassan 11
12 Confidence Ibezilim
Second Row
Gracelove Hammond 12
13 Faustina Akeje
Loose Forward
Grace Nketiah 13
14 Muinat Oseni
Int 1
Charity Abisitemi Ateng 14
15 Catherine Akej
Int 2
Rejoice Osei 15
16 Vera Akhihiero-Pedro
Int 3
Kesse Mary 16
17 Chinaza Abbah
Int 4
18 Adaolisa Onyedika
Reserve 1
Match Report: Nigeria women beat much improved Ghana 24-8 in second match of series

Nigeria’s women completed the double over Ghana with a 24-8 win at Alaro City in Lagos. The visitors were much improved from their 40-0 defeat in game one, the matches proving to be excellent preparation for Nigeria’s trip to Canada to play in the IRL Women’s World Series later in the month.

Nigeria women’s coach, Luke Shearman, commented: “There was improvement in certain areas for both teams, and I must credit Ghana for hitting us with everything they had. I was proud of our girls for their committed defence and the future of rugby league for women in Africa, with these two nations leading the way, is in a good position.”

Centre Blessing Aladeyelu opened Nigeria’s account in the third minute, and Ghana were put under more early pressure when Christiana Ndewine was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle. However, Nigeria failed to capitalise and Ghana scored next through a Gracelove Nketia penalty.

Lauretta Bayere finished a move out wide to put Nigeria further ahead and Precious Ukwuoma found her way to the line on the stroke of half time for a third unconverted to give Nigeria a 12-2 lead at the break.

The Green Falcons were quick out of the blocks in the second half with Becky Okitipe crossing, Jacqueline Ansah replying with Ghana’s only try of the series try just after the hour mark to great cheers, Nketia adding the extras.

Faustina Akeje barged her way through the middle for the hosts fifth try, Ghana again down to 12 players when Maria Tii Pegyine was sin binned for kicking in the tackle, paving the way for Nigeria to take advantage of the overlap for Abiola Obazuaye’s score.

“It was a great game for us,” said Riddick Alibah, Ghana women’s coach. “We had a very young team and we are looking to build the sport in Ghana. The first game was a new experience for them and there were a lot nerves. This time we minimised our errors and that made the difference. The girls were excited and it was positive and we wish Nigeria all the best, they are representing all of Africa in the World Series.”

11 October 2025