Nigeria’s Green Falcons have made history by qualifying for the inaugural 2025 Women’s Rugby League World Series, and star back Faustina Douglas says their achievement will shine a light on women’s sport in Nigeria and across Africa.
The Falcons secured the continent’s lone berth with a dramatic 22–14 victory over Kenya in the Middle East–Africa qualifiers, advancing on a goal kick tiebreak after an 8–0 Defeat in the return leg left the aggregate tied.
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“Honestly, it would be a miracle because, to be honest, there’s not much going on for women’s sport in Nigeria, especially for rugby league.
And I feel like if we do win it, then it will be kind of a motivation, and a lot of girls will look up to us, and maybe we can have more girls willing to join, and our names can be out there because no one knows the talent we have unless we show them,” Douglas said.
Looking ahead to October’s semifinal against Ireland in Brampton, Canada, Douglas confirmed the team’s preparation plans.
“I think we’re ready. We’re going over to Nigeria in July to meet the team over there, and we’re just going to have a little bonding session and see how our team is, and hopefully, we’re ready for what’s coming in October.”
Earlier successes, including a landmark win over Ghana in 2023 and a growing domestic league, paved the way for the Falcons’ World Series qualification.
As Africa’s first representatives in the new competition, Nigeria now aims to build on this momentum and secure a place in the final, and a spot at the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup in England.
Douglas believes the Falcons’ breakthrough will spark wider interest in women’s rugby and encourage investment in female athletes across the continent.
“It will inspire more girls to take up rugby while also raising the profile of our talent,” she added, as the Green Falcons prepare to write a new chapter for African women’s sport.
