Ghana and Nigeria’s men and women have named their squads to face each other in a doubleheader at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium, Accra tomorrow (Sunday), in senior internationals for world ranking points. The women kick off at 1pm (local time) with the men facing each other two hours later.
A fierce rivalry has been established since 2019, with the visiting Green Eagles current back-to-back Middle East-Africa men’s champions, and the Green Falcons having also beaten their hosts recently to qualify for the IRL Women’s World Series in Canada.
“We have an exciting mix of seasoned representative players and emerging youth, and due to their outstanding performances during the Origin and Presidents XIII programme, we’re confident we’ll make our mark,” said Ghana men’s coach Andy Gilvary.
”We’ve retained half of the 2022 MEA squad, and with that experience also welcome back our leadership group of Riddick Alibah, Collins Ofosu and Levi Osei. Their physicality combined with the speed of our young edges and injection of Lewis Boyes’ game management will set the tone.”
Gilvary added: “The coaches, staff and player group have worked incredibly hard all season to get to this point and we’re now ready to step up once again on the international stage.”
Alibah will double up as the women’s coach. “After our experiences in Nigeria, the ladies have put in a great deal of work toward their growth,” he said. “We have had a few solid sessions and I am pleased with their commitment. We hope this game builds on the experience they have gained so far — this is our home ground, and we are poised and ready.”
Nigeria RL director of high performance and international teams, Luke Shearman, commented: “This tour is more than a fixture — it is a further statement of Nigeria’s continued rise as a powerhouse within African rugby league.
“Our women’s team, in particular, represents a new era for the sport on the continent. With a large and fiercely determined contingent of home-based athletes—many of whom were part of our historic World Series campaign — we are witnessing the realisation of development and belief in local Nigerian talent. Their success has become the benchmark for what is possible and this match provides another opportunity to demonstrate their growth, resilience and hunger to lead Africa forward.”
Shearman confirmed: “For our men’s programme, this tour forms an important part of our strategic pathway as we build depth, experience and cohesion across the national squad. Both teams are united under one vision, continual development and excellence in performance. This journey to Ghana is not just about the result—it is about shaping the future of rugby league in Nigeria.”
Ghana (squad): Charity Abisitemi Ateng, Elizabeth Adongo, Estelle Haizel, Eunice Lawoe, Fati Bhom, Fauzia Larry, Gifty Sowah, Gracelove Hammond, Hilaria Wuaku, Jacqueline Anash, Jennifer Moncar, Mardiyatu Ouchouwayratu Yara Ibrahim, Margaret Tuffour, Mariama Musah, Mary Adarkwa, Millicent Njomaba, Minawara Alhassan, Princess Avorkah (Accra Ladies), Celestine Kumah (Awutu Ladies)
Nigeria (squad): Chinaza Abbah, Confidence Ibezilim, Damilola Nojimu (Eko Trinity), Blessing Aladeyely, Danyelle Shobanjo, Innocent Adaeze, Lauretta Bayere, Rukayat Jimoh, Rukaykat Akinade (London Broncos), Abiola Obazuaye, Ashagbesori Kafayat, Becky Okitipe, Endurance Ukwuoma, Fathia Abudu, Helen Ayewe, Success Iyoha (R2 Finesse), Faustina Akeje, Sulaiman Oyelere, Vera Akhihiero-Pedro (unattached)
