Nigeria’s women’s national rugby league team, the Green Falcons, continued their remarkable run at the IRL Women’s Rugby League World Series 2025, defeating Ireland 10-0 in the semi-final at Terry Fox Stadium in Canada on Tuesday.

The Nigerians, who led 4-0 at half-time, displayed outstanding defensive discipline and composure to secure a hard-fought win one that takes them to the brink of becoming the first African nation to qualify for and possibly win the Rugby League World Cup.

Prop Fedelia Omoghan opened the scoring in the 14th minute, bulldozing through the Irish defence to give Nigeria an early lead. Ireland came close to equalizing before the break when fullback Lily Rogan broke free and looked certain to score, but a determined Nigerian defence held firm to preserve their narrow advantage going into half-time.

In the second half, the Green Falcons’ resilience and tactical discipline paid off. With 11 minutes left on the clock, second-rower Rachel Iliya capitalized on a loose ball and sprinted 85 metres to score under the posts. Faustina Akeje converted to seal a memorable 10-0 victory for the Nigerians.

Nigeria fielded a balanced lineup: Umude Blessing started at fullback, with Iyoha Success and Ukwuoma Endurance on the wings. The centre partnership featured Aladeyelu Blessing and Abiola Obazuaye, while Shondell Akhabue and Innocent Adaeze combined in the halves.

Up front, Adeola King and Fedelia Omoghan anchored the pack alongside hooker Becky Okitikpe. Rachel Iliya and Vera Akhihiero-Pedro manned the second row, with Faustina Akeje at lock. Impact off the bench came from Chinaza Abbah, Bayere Gabriel Lauretta, Akinade Rukayat, and Danyelle Shobanjo.

Head coach Bolu Fagborun hailed his team’s resilience, especially after they were forced to play with a player down while Shondell Akhabue served time in the sin-bin on either side of half-time.

 “We set our goal to defend really well, and the girls executed that brilliantly,” Fagborun said. “We knew if we kept them from scoring, we’d win the game, and that’s exactly what happened. The defensive effort was phenomenal. This result means a lot for Nigerian rugby league and for the Middle East–Africa region.”

The Green Falcons will now face Fiji, who thrashed Canada 48-0 in the other semi-final in the World Series final on Sunday, October 26, at Terry Fox Stadium. The winner will clinch the final women’s qualification spot for the IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026 in Australia and Papua New Guinea.