Nigeria’s Green Falcons, who defeated Ireland 10-0 in the hard-fought first semi-final of the Women’s World Rugby League Series in Canada, will square up against the Fijian Women’s Rugby League team in Sunday’s final game. The Fijian ladies demolished hosts Canada in the second semifinals at the same venue by 48-0.
On paper the Canadian Team were said to be the favourites, especially given the fact that they were expecting some quality players back from the just concluded Women 15’s Rugby Union World Cup in England last month. However, it was the Fijian women that carried the day.
On Sunday, Ireland will lock horns with host Canada first in the 3rd-place bronze match, before Nigeria who play similar style with Fiji will face each other in an epoch-making encounter. At stake is the sole slot for the Rugby League World Cup in Australia next year. Both teams are vying to make history by qualifying for their first World Cup.
In their semifinal clash, Fedelia Omoghan scored the first Try from a breakdown play in the Ireland’s 10m yard line, while Rachel Iliya intercepted the pass from the Irish player to scored the second Try through her blistering 75m solo run.
The game was a very tough and crunchy game for the Green Falcons being their first encounter with a more professional outfit. Umude Blessing needs quick recovery from knock on her knee.
The Fiji’s women’s team, known as the Bulikula, have never qualified for the Rugby League World Cup, just like the Green Falcons of Nigeria who are aiming at making history as the first rugby team from Nigeria to ever qualify for the Rugby League and other Oval Game World Cup.
The Green Falcons and the Nigeria Rugby League Association have received a huge encouragement from the National Sports Commission, as the Director General, Bukola Olopade, sent a congratulating message to the team for their historic win over Ireland.
The Nigerian team led by coach Bolu Fagborun showed total resilience and defensive prowess to defeat the Irish team on Tuesday at the Terry Fox Stadium and are expected to carry on the same way on Sunday.
Rugby expert, Ntiense Essien, is optimistic that the Green Falcons would do well.
He said, “Ordinarily, it is tough to say they would beat a team from Fiji – a country with great Rugby culture and facilities – but having come this far, hardly anybody can overrun the Green Falcons at this stage. They have never come this far and I believe they will thrown in everything to make this great project a successful one.”
The Nigeria Green Falcons will also create more history at the Terry Fox stadium on Sunday if they win by qualifying for the IRL Rugby League World Cup in 2026. The Green Falcons not just carries the hope and aspirations of Nigeria, but of Africa as they will be the first African Women Rugby League to ever qualify for the Rugby League World Cup.
Extrasportnigeria 
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