The Nigeria Rugby League has initiated preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, extending a formal invitation to female players of Nigerian descent residing in Australia and New Zealand. This outreach aims to bolster the national women’s team by drawing upon the talent of individuals who may have connections to Nigeria but are currently located far from the country. The league’s announcement emphasized the importance of starting preparations promptly and called for expressions of interest from female players aged 17 and above. This initiative aligns with the Nigeria Rugby League’s broader goal of developing a competitive national team that can perform effectively in international arenas.
As part of this preparation, Nigeria recently celebrated a significant achievement by winning the World Cup qualifier for the Africa and Middle East region. This victory not only serves as a morale booster but also qualifies the team for the upcoming World Series scheduled for the latter half of 2025. To support their quest for success, the Nigeria Rugby League has set up a pathways program tailored for players in the Southern Hemisphere. This approach is designed to identify and integrate talented players who can enhance the squad’s competitiveness on the global stage.
The pathways program, developed in collaboration with the assistant coach based in Sydney, Australia, illustrates the Nigeria Rugby League’s commitment to fostering talent regardless of geographical limitations. By establishing this structured framework, the league aims to engage players who may have previously been disconnected from the Nigerian rugby scene, offering them a chance to represent their heritage. The program is not only about recruitment but also encompasses training, skill development, and ensuring players are adequately prepared for the challenges of international competition.
To be eligible for selection into the national team, potential players must meet specific criteria. Candidates can qualify if they were born in Nigeria, hold a Nigerian passport, have Nigerian citizen parents or grandparents, or have resided in Nigeria for over five years. These criteria underline the league’s dedication to maintaining a strong connection to Nigerian heritage while expanding its player base to include diaspora members who embody the spirit of Nigerian rugby.
The Nigeria Rugby League has urged interested players to reach out for more information, providing a direct line of communication for inquiries regarding the pathways program and the selection process. This proactive engagement reflects the league’s ambition to harness the expertise and athleticism of Nigerian heritage players worldwide. The opportunity not only facilitates personal development for aspiring players but also serves to strengthen the national rugby league’s standing on the international stage.
As part of this initiative, the league emphasizes that preparations are set to begin imminently, highlighting a sense of urgency and excitement surrounding the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. By actively seeking out players and establishing clear pathways for talent recruitment and development, the Nigeria Rugby League is strategically positioning itself to build a formidable team capable of competing at the highest levels in international rugby. Engaging with the broader Nigerian diaspora in Australia and New Zealand exemplifies a forward-thinking approach aimed at fostering inclusivity and harnessing the rich talent pool that exists within these communities.
