Nigeria’s female national rugby league team has emerged victorious in the first-ever Middle East Africa (MEA) Women’s Rugby League World Cup Qualifier in what is a groundbreaking moment for women’s rugby in Africa and the Middle East,

The Nigerian squad secured a thrilling 22-14 win over Kenya in Nairobi in the first match, marking a historic milestone in the sport’s regional development.

The green falcons are currently Middle East and African champions and will be representing the region in the World Series next year. This achievement is a testament to the hard work, determination, and skill displayed by the Nigerian women’s rugby team, and it marks a significant milestone for women’s rugby in the country.

The match marked a historic moment for women’s rugby league in the region. It was the first time that teams from the Middle East and Africa had competed in a World Cup qualifier. The atmosphere was electric as both teams took to the field, determined to make their mark on history.

In the second match, Kenya secured a hard-fought victory with a score of 8-0. However, Nigeria’s dominant 22-14 win in the first match last Thursday ensured that they advanced based on aggregate scores.

The nail-biting victory put Nigeria as the first nation to qualify for the inaugural 2025 World Series and secure their place on the global stage.

Chairman Olawale Cole praised the team’s outstanding performance, particularly highlighting Rachel, who emerged as the top scorer with two tries in just her second-ever rugby match.

The victory is especially inspiring considering many players were making their international debut, showcasing Nigeria’s rising talent in the sport.

“This win is not just about rugby; it’s about breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women in sports across our region,” said Chairman Cole. “Our team’s performance today is a testament to their skill, determination, and the bright future of women’s rugby in Nigeria and beyond.”

Not leaving out our sponsors, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, Alaro City, Leadway, Chappal Energies and Aerial Robotix, for their unwavering support throughout this journey.

Their partnership has been instrumental in this success, and we look forward to continued collaboration as we prepare for the next stages of the World Series. said Chairman cole.

The historic qualifier has united Nigerian fans, creating a surge of national pride and excitement. Beyond the immediate competition, this achievement is expected to have a significant impact on women’s sports development in Nigeria and across Africa, potentially driving increased investment and participation in rugby and other sports.

Vanguard News