'We will represent Africa well': Dramatic scenes as Nigeria earn World Series berth

Confusion greeted the final whistle in the Women’s African World Cup Qualifier between Kenya and Nigeria at the NYS Organisation field, Nairobi. The hosts needed to overturn a 22-14 deficit from game one if they were to progress to the 2025 World Series and represent the continent, and triumphed 8-0.

Hasty scanning of the tournament rules showed that both nations had scored four tries and were still level; the criteria then being goal kicks, with Nigeria posting three to Kenya’s two, which saw the Green Falcons victorious.

Had goals too been equal, the match would have gone to golden point extra time. 

Nigeria head coach, Bolu Fagborun, noted “I wouldn’t have wanted it to go down to fine margins like that, but we just told the girls we needed to find a way to get through and they stuck at it.

"Kenya did really well, it was some performance by them and there are some really talented players in African rugby league. We saw two tough teams who didn’t want to lose.”

Nigeria’s captain Rukayat Jimoh was emotional after the match, as were her team-mates.

“The game was very, very tough," she said. "We stayed together as a team and stood as a unit in our defensive line."

NRL federation vice president Ade Adebisi confirmed: “Kenya were amazing, we were lucky but we stayed in the game. The first match ensured we came out on top, and we are very grateful for the overall result.

“We have 12 months now to try and make Africa proud. We need to play more rugby league and the better they will be. Hopefully we will represent Africa well in the 2025 World Series.”

Kenya winger Merisha Negesia scored the only try of the match – adding to her double in game one – just after the half hour, Diana Omosso kicking a penalty soon after with the Nigerians penalised for holding down to extend the lead to 6-0.

Just before the break, Kenya’s stand off Moreen Atieno was sinbinned for a high tackle and at the start of the second half both sides missed penalty kicks for goal. The only points thereafter were two drop goals from Omosso as the Kenyans chased the deciding margin, while Nigeria also had three tries disallowed for knock-ons over the line.

Kenya women’s head coach, Antonio Lombardo, was heartbroken for his side and the effort they put in.

“The girls gave their all, it is so tough for them, they gave everything they have,” he said. “We look forward to the next qualifiers now for the World Cup in 2028. We will get better. It’s a learning process and we will get there, they showed what they can do.”

Kenya skipper Lovinah Mijere said: “We won then game but not the qualification. Good luck to Nigeria. We were so excited and gave it our all, but it was not quite to be.”

The World Series will be played next year between Nigeria (Africa), the winner of a play-off between Greece and Ireland (Europe), the winner of Americas qualifying tournament and Asia Pacific runner up. The winner will gain the final 2026 World Cup berth.

KENYA 8

Milkah Chitechi, Merisha Negesia, Susan Wangechi, Lewin Amazimbi, Lawnisky Munayi, Moreen Atieno, Diana Omosso, Angel Salamba, Faith Oketch, Dorris Kimani, Kerina Omala, Dorothy Mulela, Lovinah Mijere (c)  Subs: Vivian Anyango, Sharon Bosibori, Sophye Nabwire, Hesslah Khisa

Try:  Merisha Negesia (32); Goals: Omosso 1/3; Drop Goals: Omosso 2/2

Sin bin: Atieno (39 – high tackle) 

NIGERIA 0

Blessing Umude, Becky Okitikpe, Lauretta Bayere, Success Iyoha, Endurance Ukwuom, Blessing Aladeyelu, Adaeze Inncoent, Shukurat Nojimu, Rukayat Jimoh (c), Chinaza  Abbah, Muinat Oseni, Abiola Obazuaye, Rachel Iliya. Subs: Rukayat Akinade, Perpetua Nwanna, Elisabeth Adie, Adaolisa Onyedikachi

Goals: Okitikpe 0/1 

Half time: 6-0 

Referee: Stephane Vincent (France)