Rachel Iliya’s journey from working as a part-time cleaner to becoming one of Nigeria’s brightest rugby league stars is nothing short of inspirational. At just 23 years old, Iliya and her Nigeria teammates are on the brink of making history as the Green Falcons prepare for the World Series in Canada later this month, where victory could see them qualify for the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup for the first time.
Nigeria’s women’s rugby league team, ranked 17th in the world, are the lowest-ranked side among the four nations competing in the World Series. Yet they stand just two wins away from becoming the first African nation ever to reach the Women’s Rugby League World Cup, to be held in Australia and Papua New Guinea in 2026. For Iliya, who began playing rugby only last year, the opportunity represents both personal transformation and continental pride.
Her path into rugby was shaped by adversity. Iliya previously worked part-time as a cleaner, earning just 15,000 naira ($10.05, £7.50) a month, to support her family, all of whom suffer from sickle cell disease. Today, she works as a personal trainer, a job that has built her fitness, mental strength, and physical power qualities that quickly caught the eye of Nigeria Rugby League Association chairman Abiodun Olawale-Cole. She has since become a key player, making headlines by scoring two tries on her debut against Kenya in the World Cup qualifiers last year.
Iliya has spoken openly about the challenges she faced pursuing sports as a young woman. Initially drawn to football, she often had to sneak out to play, facing resistance from her mother who felt her place should be in the kitchen rather than on the pitch. Her persistence eventually led her to flag football and, later, rugby league, where she has finally found a sense of belonging. “Rugby means everything to me. It gives me this sense of belonging and has shaped me into a strong and resilient woman that I want future generations to emulate,” she said.
The Green Falcons’ road to the World Series was dramatic. After winning 22-14 against Kenya in Nairobi, they lost the return leg 8-0, leaving the aggregate tied at 22-22. With both sides scoring four tries, Nigeria advanced on goal kicks, edging Kenya three to two under tournament rules. Their semi-final against Ireland in Canada on 21 October will be followed by a final against either Canada or Fiji, with the winner securing a World Cup berth.
Vice chairman of the NRLA, Ade Adebisi, stressed the magnitude of the moment, saying that qualifying would not only be historic for Nigeria but for the entire African continent. However, the Green Falcons face enormous challenges, including lack of funding and limited opportunities to face top-tier opponents. To prepare, the team has organized a three-week training camp in Lagos, where they will also play three matches against neighboring Ghana before heading to Canada.
Meanwhile, Iliya is gaining international experience on a six-month training program with English club Bradford Bulls, thanks to a partnership between the club and the NRLA established in 2023. This collaboration is designed to grow rugby league in Nigeria by developing local talent and providing them with exposure to international training environments. For Iliya, this is a golden opportunity: “It’s a time for me to show the world that Nigerians and Africans at large have good athletes. We have so much talent that needs to be discovered.”
The rapid rise of rugby league in Africa reflects the sport’s growing potential. While only 11 African nations are affiliated with the International Rugby League (IRL), and just six have women’s teams, the interest is rising fast. Nigeria and Kenya were the only African countries to enter qualifying for the 2026 Women’s World Cup, but ambitions are expanding. Kenya has already submitted a bid to host the 2028 Women’s Rugby League World Cup, while South Africa has set its sights on hosting the men’s edition in 2030.
The IRL has recognized Africa’s growing importance and is preparing to select a priority nation for investment later this year to help accelerate development. Secretary general Danny Kazandjian noted the “impressive growth” of rugby league in Africa, praising the dedication of national federations in pushing the sport forward.
For Iliya and her teammates, however, the immediate focus is on Canada and the World Series. Victory would be a watershed moment, opening the door for Nigeria to showcase its talent on the world stage and inspire future generations of African women athletes. “It’s going to be very tough, but we are ready to showcase our strength as Africans and Nigerians,” Iliya said. “The global stage is what we are after.”
If the Green Falcons succeed, they will not only make sporting history but also bring a new chapter of pride to Africa’s growing rugby league story, one where determination, resilience, and raw talent prove that the impossible can become possible.
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