Ghana names squads ahead of 2025 Tri-Nation Rugby League Festival
A line-up of the Leopards
The Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG) has officially unveiled the men’s and women’s national squads set to represent the Leopards and Leopardesses at this year’s Tri-Nation Rugby League Festival, scheduled for November 23, 26, and 30, 2025, at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium.
This year’s tournament will see Ghana compete against both the men’s and women’s teams of Nigeria and Roots Rugby in a three-way championship that promises ranking points, pride, and top-tier action.
Men’s team selection is a product of intense competition.
After 16 rounds of league action and two rounds of Origins Cup clashes, RLFG has selected the finest male athletes to don the national colours.
The Origins Cup, featuring team Giwa and team Safi, served as the final testing ground. After two fiercely contested matches, team Giwa emerged victorious, winning 34-30 on aggregate.
“After 16 weeks of intense league action in the men’s league, we selected the best 40 players for the two-round Origins Cup. Giwa and Safi battled to determine the best in each position. Giwa came out on top over the two games,” said Marshall Nortey, technical director, RLFG.
The team is made up of John Bless Mensah, Godfred Aikins, Akwei Godred Adotei, Richard Asare Browne, Gideon Klugey, Kofi Montchon, Chris Dagama, William Pearce Biney, Collins Ofosu, David Nartey, Leslie Boadu, Abdul Jalilu, and Bright Bawah.
The rest include Jonathan Adotey, Emmanuel Amoah Acheampong, Elvis Ayertey, Riddick Alibah, Jordan Annan, Kevin Boadu, Reindorf Nii Koi, George Tetteh, Levi Osei, and Lewis Boyer.
Over the weekend, the men’s squad played a warm-up match against the president’s team to build cohesion and match sharpness.
“I love the work rate and the good play. Aside from the 28-4 result, the boys performed very well. We believe the team will give a strong performance come November 23–30,” said Aminu Nasiru.
On the part of the women’s team, they have been in camp for close to four weeks, after returning from the two-game international series in Nigeria, training fervently and building momentum to claim victory in the upcoming Tri-Nation Tournament.
The coaching staff has strengthened the squad, giving the Leopardesses renewed confidence ahead of the Festival.
“We have augmented the team and are very hopeful we will pull some surprises,” said Riddick Alibah, head coach of the team.
The team is made up of Millicent Njomaba, Fati Boon, Elizabeth Adongo, Gracelove Hammond, Fauzia Larry, Hilaria Wuaku, Princess Avorkah, Mariama Dawuda, Grace Nketiah, Gifty Sowah, Menawara Alhassan, Celestina Kumah, Jacqueline Ansah, Mardiyatu Ibrahim, and Mary Adarkwa.
The rest include Margaret Tuffour, Estelle Haizel, Jennifer Moncaar, Maria Tii Pegyine, Christiana Ndewine, Rejoice Osei, Ateng Charity Abisitemi, and Ndifreke Ellandy Attipoe.
With both squads finalised, anticipation is building ahead of the rugby festival, as Team Ghana aims to make a strong statement on home soil against formidable opponents.
Fans who will throng the venue should expect a celebration of rugby league’s growth in West Africa interspersed with thrilling contests.
