Nigeria’s Black Stallions are intensifying their preparations for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup qualifying two-legged fixture against Kenya in Nairobi later this month.
The 22 selected players have been rigorously training at Rainbow College Boarding School, Maba, along the Ibadan Expressway, in anticipation of the doubleheader. The first leg is scheduled for September 19 at Impala Club Rugby Ground in Nairobi, Kenya, which will also host the second leg on September 22.
The team’s preparations have been boosted by the support of several sponsors, including Aerial Robotix, Alaro City, Chappal Energy, and Leadway Assurance.
Both the players and the Nigeria Rugby League Association President, Abiodun Olawale-Cole, are optimistic. In a recent statement on the association’s official website, Olawale-Cole expressed his satisfaction with the team’s progress.
“We have ensured that the players are receiving top-quality preparation, thanks to the support of our sponsors. Despite a few initial logistical challenges, we are pleased that the team is now settled at Rainbow College,” he said.
“The players are motivated, the coaching staff is working tirelessly, and I am confident of a positive result in Kenya. Our women’s team, like the men’s, remains unbeaten, and I strongly believe the World Cup ticket is within our grasp,” he added.
The winner of the two matches will secure a place in the Women’s Rugby League World Cup pre-qualifiers for the 2025 World Series.
The qualification process for the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup was announced in December, with four confederation tournaments representing the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Middle East-Africa regions.
Two group winners from Europe will qualify directly, while the runners-up will compete in a playoff against winners from the other three regions in the 2025 World Series for the final two spots in the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup.
Qualification is open to all full and affiliate member nations that did not qualify through the 2021 World Cup.
