Nigeria’s women’s national rugby league team, the Green Falcons, fell 62–4 to Fiji in the final of the IRL Women’s Rugby League World Series 2025 at the Terry Fox Stadium in Canada on Sunday.

The defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, as Fiji secured the eighth and final qualification spot with a dominant performance.

Head coach Bolu Fagborun named a strong and balanced side for the showdown, with Aladeyelu Blessing starting at fullback and Iyoha Success and Ukwuoma Endurance on the wings. Siobhan Sheerin and Abiola Obazuaye featured in the centres, while Shondell Akhabue and Innocent Adaeze combined in the halves.

In the forwards, Adeola King and Fedelia Omoghan anchored the front row alongside hooker Becky Okitikpe, with Rachel Iliya and Vera Pedro in the second row, and Faustina Akeje at lock.

The Bulikula were clinical from start to finish, taking a 28–4 lead at halftime before adding 34 unanswered points in the second half to seal their first-ever World Cup qualification.

While Fiji’s power and pace proved decisive, the Green Falcons showed heart and resilience throughout the tournament. They reached the final after a 10–0 victory over Ireland in the semi-final, a performance that underlined Nigeria’s steady progress on the international stage.

Fiji will now join Australia, New Zealand, England, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, France, and Wales as the eight women’s teams competing at the Rugby League World Cup 2026, set to take place in Australia and Papua New Guinea.