Nigeria and Ghana have named their 19-player squads for the first of two women’s senior internationals to be played at Alaro City in Lagos tomorrow (Tuesday), kick off 3pm local time. Their initial contest at Rugby School in the city over the weekend was called off due to the ground not being ready.

The game marks a major step towards Nigeria’s final preparations for the IRL Women’s Rugby League World Series which takes place later this month in Brampton, Ontario facing Ireland initially for the final berth in the 2026 Women’s World Cup. 

Four players are in line to make their debuts for the Green Falcons, sisters Catherine and Faustia Akeje, Adeola King and Favour Irimagha, all having travelled to the Nigerian capital from overseas for the fixtures.

Nigeria coach, Luke Shearman, commented: “I'm really excited to see how all the hard work we've been putting in during training translates into our gameplay. With a blend of international players and local talent, we've faced challenges with different skill levels, but recently we've started to come together as a team.

“Our upcoming games against Ghana present an excellent opportunity to assess how well our players work together. It's the perfect chance for us to strengthen our combinations and see our growth on the field.”

For Ghana, a dozen players are set make their debuts, highlighting the continued growth of women’s rugby league in the country and emphasising youth development for the future. Gracelove Hammond, Millicent Njomaba, Eunice Lawoe, and Fati Bhom are set to earn their fourth caps, while Elizabeth Adongo will captain the side.

“This is a special moment for the team,” said Ghana women’s head coach Riddick Alibah. “To have 12 debutants stepping onto the field shows the growth of women’s rugby league in Ghana. While it’s a youthful squad, the hunger and energy they bring is exactly what we need as we build towards the next World Cup qualifiers.

“Those who are not new to this level and stage will play a key role in guiding the young and will the use the opportunity to build themselves as a whole. I am confident that this match will be an important step in our journey.”

The nations meet again on Saturday.

Nigeria
Faustina Akeje (Canterbury Bulldogs), Precious Ukwuoma, Blessing Umude, Chinaza Abbah, Confidence Ibezilim (Eko Trinity), Lauretta Bayere, Rukayat Jimoh, Adaeze Innocent, Muinat Oseni, Rukayat Akinade, Blessing Aladeyelu (Lagos Bulls), Catherine Akeje (Oran Park Gregory Hills Chargers), Adeola King (Ottawa Tigers RL), Abiola Obazuaye, Vera Akhihiero-Pedro, Becky Okitipe, Success Iyoha, Adaolisa Onyedika (R2 Finesse), Favour Irimagha (Sheffield Eagles)

Ghana
Elizabeth Adongo, Millicent Njomaba, Jacqueline Ansah, Princess Avorkah, Ivy Benyah, Fati Bhom, Gracelove Hammond, Eunice Lawoe, Gifty Sowah, Charity Abisitemi Ateng, Hilaria Wuaku (Assistant Captain) (Accra Ladies), Minawara Alhassan, Henrietta Arhin, Celestine Kumah, Mariama Musah (Awutu Ladies), Kesse Mary (Afigya Secondary Technical), Christiana Ndewine (Aduman Secondary), Grace Nketiah (Pentecost SHS), Maria Tii Pegyine (St. Michaels SHS)