Green Falcons of Nigeria
Green Falcons of Nigeria delivered a commanding performance on Tuesday, routing Ghana’s Leopardess 40–0 in a thrilling international rugby friendly held at the Alaro City Rugby Pitch in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
The match, organized as part of Nigeria’s build-up to the upcoming World Rugby Series in Canada later this month, kicked off at 4 p.m. and had fans on the edge of their seats with high-impact tackles, speedy breaks, and coordinated play.
From the opening whistle, Nigeria asserted dominance, outclassing their West African rivals with sharp execution and a cohesive team strategy. Despite Ghana’s spirited resistance, the Leopardess couldn’t contain the relentless pressure from the home side.
Green Falcons Head Coach, Luke Shearman, praised his players after the emphatic win, calling it a clear sign of their readiness for the global stage.
> “We’ve had a good preparation. Having international players has brought a lot of experience and positive energy into the squad,” Shearman said.
He emphasized that while the result was satisfying, the primary goal was improving overall performance.
> “Today isn’t just about winning,” he noted. “It’s about ensuring we deliver our best possible performance.”
Shearman also highlighted the team’s training focus ahead of the tournament.
> “We’ve just been working on our basic skills and drills to fine-tune our performance,” he explained.
Although he hadn’t personally faced Ghana before, Shearman acknowledged Nigeria’s strong track record against them.
> “The Green Falcons have played Ghana several times and won on each occasion. I’ve watched those games and learnt a lot from them,” he said.
Team captain, Blessing Aladeyelu, expressed satisfaction with the result and the team’s overall display.
> “We respect the Ghanaian side; they gave us a good challenge. But we’re proud of our discipline and execution today,” she said.
Aladeyelu added that the team has been motivated and focused since qualifying for the World Series.
> “Since qualifying for the World Series, we’ve trained hard and welcomed foreign players to strengthen the squad. We’re ready for what lies ahead,” she added confidently.
> “I expected a win because we always give our best. We’re the giants of Africa,” she declared.
Meanwhile, Ade Adebisi, Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Rugby League Association (NRLA), shed light on the association’s commitment to grassroots development.
> “We’ve trained physical education teachers and local coaches to ensure sustainability. Our aim is long-term development and talent discovery,” he said.
He also mentioned ongoing collaborations with international bodies and sponsors to provide resources for local rugby growth.
> “Our dream is to see young Nigerians shine internationally,” Adebisi added.
Fans and officials from the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation applauded the Falcons’ performance, noting that the fixture also helped deepen sporting ties between Nigeria and Ghana.
The second leg of the friendly series is scheduled for October 11, while the World Rugby Series will take place in Canada from October 21 to 26.
NAN
