Three Nigerian-heritage players based in New Zealand – Shondell Akhabue, Annique Oyinlola, and Catherine Akeje – have been named in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming Rugby World Series in Canada this October.
Nigeria will face Ireland on October 21 at Terry Fox Stadium in Brampton, with the winner advancing to meet either Canada or Fiji in the final on October 26.
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The eventual victor secures the last ticket to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Nigeria’s women’s team, the Green Falcons, will be strengthened by players developed through the NRLW pathways in Australia and New Zealand. Head coach Luke Shearman says more heritage players could still be added.
“We have our squad in Nigeria, but if there is anybody who can strengthen the team, we will definitely look at them,” Shearman said. “It’s a great opportunity to represent Nigeria and grow the game.”
Akhabue, 23, has played for the Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers in the NSWRL Premiership and was part of the NSW Under-18s State of Origin squad in 2019.
“It would be great to play for Nigeria. It’s my culture and would be a huge honour,” she said.
Oyinlola, 20, joined the Wests Tigers Harvey Norman Premiership squad this season. “My dad is Nigerian and it would mean a lot to represent that side of my family,” she said.
Akeje, 21, who moved to Australia from Nigeria in 2016, previously played Tarsha Gale Cup for the St George Dragons. “This is a chance to inspire other girls in sport and represent Nigeria proudly,” she said.
Head coach Bolu Fagborun has been working with Shearman to integrate heritage and domestic talents. Recently, Nigerian players Rachel Iliya and Blessing Aladeyelu secured moves to English clubs, highlighting the pathway opening for Nigerian rugby.
The NRLA has also secured a partnership with Alaro City in Lagos, which plans to build a rugby league facility capable of hosting international matches.
Nigeria will prepare for the World Series with a training camp at home, followed by international fixtures against Ghana before departing for Canada.
