Kenya vow to overcome points deficit in bid to keep RLWC hopes alive

Kenya and Nigeria women have confirmed their squads for tomorrow’s (Sunday) Rugby League World Cup qualifier at the NYS Organisation field, Nairobi (kick off 3pm local time). Hosts Kenya need to overturn a 22-14 defeat last Thursday in game one if they are to progress to the 2025 World Series and represent the continent.

Kenya women’s captain, Lovinah Mijere, said: “In the first game we were understandably nervous, and the pressure and tension resulted in unforced errors and us not executing our plays effectively, it was a pressure we put on ourselves.

“We're looking to go into Sunday's game with a more relaxed approach, much calmer. Composure will fix a lot of our mistakes. We started off shy and worked better in the second half, but on Sunday we'll be at a hundred per cent from the first minute. We're looking to play to our strengths whilst correcting some of the errors we made.”

Nigeria Green Falcons head coach, Bolu Fagborun, noted: “I look forward to seeing how we can knit together some of the knowledge and core skills we are learning to allow them to full release their potential.

“Our defence in contact was good and we handled the physicality of the Kenyan pack well. It will be another close game but I am hoping that we put on a great display of Nigerian power, speed and resilience.”

His captain, Rukayat Iyabo Jimoh, added: “We have put in a lot of work to get here. We are not just playing for ourselves but for families, for our indigenous teams, for our states and also for our country. Hopefully soon we will be playing for Africa so a lot is at stake here and we’re one step closer to achieving our goal.”

KENYA SQUAD

Angel Salamba, Ann Ochieng, Diana Omosso, Dorothy Mulela, Dorris Kimani, Faith Oketch, Hesslah Khisa, Lewin Amazimbi, Lovinah Mijere, Merisha Negesia, Milkah Chitechi, Moreen Atieno, Sharon Bosibori, Sophye Nabwire, Vivian Anyango (Administration Police RL) Susan Wangechi, Kerina Omala (Ruffians RL) Mercy Khatenje, Lawnisky Munayi (Winam RL)

NIGERIA SQUAD

Blessing Funmilayo Aladeyelu , Tolulope Lauretta Bayere, Adaeze Precious Inncoent, Perpetua Mmanna, Nwanna, Rukayat Temitope Ajoke Akinade, Muinat Akanke Oseni, Rukayat Iyabo Jimoh, Ovbokhan Success, Iyoha (Lagos Bulls), Blessing Ajiriogjhene Umude, Adaolisa Thecular Onyedikachi, Rachel Iliya, (Eko Trinity), Odiri Becky Okitikpe, Chinaza Blessing Abbah,  Abiola Christiana Obazuaye, Precious Endurance Ukwuom, (R2 Finesse), Elisabeth Adie ( Kano Lions), Grace Oreofe David (Zaria Bees)