•Hon. Enabulele (4th from right) with players and officials of the team
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has bid farewell to five female rugby players from Team Edo who have been invited to Nigeria’s national camp ahead of the World Rugby League Series in Canada, scheduled for October 17–27, 2025.
In a statement signed by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko and made available to The Frontier, Enabulele praised the athletes for their consistent performances, describing their selection as proof of Edo State’s rising influence in Nigerian rugby. He urged them to excel on the global stage while reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to supporting the growth of the sport.
“I wholeheartedly applaud Abba Chinaza, Precious Ukwuoma, Success Iyoha, Becky Okitikpe, and Vera Akhihero of Team Edo for their dedication and determination to the game of rugby,” he said.
The players were presented to the Commission’s chairman by the Head Coach of the Edo State Rugby Team, Obong Ntiense Williams.
Enabulele described the milestone as “a monumental achievement for Edo State and for Nigeria,” charging the players to be true ambassadors of the state and the nation.
He also commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing the enabling environment that has allowed sports to thrive in Edo.
Edo State women’s Rugby team are the reigning back-to-back national 7s champions, while the state’s U-15 side recently clinched gold at the National Youth Games in Asaba, edging out Delta State 7–5 in a tense final.
The five players will now join Nigeria’s extended squad, made up of both homegrown talents and international heritage stars. A successful campaign in Canada would secure Nigeria a slot at the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup in Australia.
The Edo contingent will now link up with a strong Nigeria extended squad that features both homegrown players and international heritage stars.
Among the international players confirmed are:
Aminah Oluwabunmi London Broncos (UK)
Catherine Akeje Oran Park Gregory Hills Chargers (Australia)
Adeola King Ottawa Tigers (Canada)
Favour Irimagha Sheffield Eagles (UK)
Annique Omodiagbe Wests Tigers (Australia)
Faustina Akeje heritage player based abroad (Free Agent).
If Nigeria wins in Canada, the team will secure qualification for the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup in Australia.
Speaking to The Frontier, Head Coach Williams said, “This is a landmark moment for Edo State and Nigeria as the women’s team competes at global level, with scouts in attendance who could offer professional contracts.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Ade Adebisi, Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Rugby League Federation, confirmed that Rachel Iliya is already training with Bradford Bulls in the United Kingdom, while Blessing Aladeyelu an Edo indigene is finalising preparations to travel next month to join Wakefield Trinity.
Williams added that, “These international breakthroughs highlight both the growing global opportunities for Nigerian women’s rugby and the pride of Edo State in producing talent ready for the world stage.”
