Ghana, Nigeria thrill crowd as Tri-Nation Rugby League Festival kicks off in Accra
The Tri-Nation Rugby League Festival opened in emphatic fashion in Accra as Ghana and Nigeria produced two action-packed international fixtures in the women’s and men’s divisions.
With the festival featuring two national teams—Ghana and Nigeria—and one international club, Roots Rugby from the USA, the opening day delivered the intensity, physicality, and excitement expected of top-level rugby league.
The women’s fixture opened the festival with a commanding performance from Nigeria, who defeated Ghana 42–8 in a match marked by strong carries, structured attack patterns, and relentless pressure.
With tries worth 4 points and conversions worth 2, Nigeria struck early at 5tg minute through Rukayat Akunade, who opened the scoring with a well-finished move. Blessing Aladeyelu added a second try at 10 min, with Innocent Adaeje converting one of the two attempts to give Nigeria a 10–0 halftime lead.
Nigeria accelerated after the break. Success Iyoha crossed on 41 minutes, followed by further tries from Aladeyelu, Abiola Obazuaye, and Faustina Akeje.
Iyoha added two more in the 71st and 73rd minutes, showcasing her power and pace in open field. Adaeze converted three of Nigeria’s second-half tries.
The Ghanaians fought back with determination, scoring through Margaret Tuffour in the 53rd minute, with Celestine Kumah converting, before adding a 77th-minute penalty to push Ghana’s score to 8.
Despite the scoreline, the Ghanaians showed resilience, composure, and moments of quality that will serve them well as the festival continues.
Their male counterpart Ghana took revenge in their own hands with a 36–24 victory over Nigeria.
The men’s international delivered a thrilling contest, with the Ghanaians producing a dominant first half before holding off a spirited Nigerian comeback to claim the victory.
Team Ghana exploded out of the gate, with Levi Osei scoring on 6 minutes, followed by tries from Richard Browne, Godfred Aikins, Abdul Jalilu, and Elvis Ayettey with Conversions cming from Richard Browne and Kofi Montchon to earn a commanding 24–6 halftime lead, with Nigeria’s only points of the half coming Godwin Julius, with a conversion by Gabriel John.
The second half brought increased drama as Ghana struck immediately through Lewis Boye, with Montchon converting for a 30–6 lead, Nigeria responded with tries from Christian Williams and Gabriel John, with both converting to close the gap to 30–18.
Ghana regained control on 60 minutes with Ayettey’s second try of the match, again converted by Montchon to increase the lead to 36–18.
Nigeria scored a final try on 80 minutes through Hakim Yussif, with Joshua Etim converting to bring the score to 36–24.
With the opening internationals complete, attention now shifts to Roots Rugby from the USA, who will face Ghana in men and women non-sanctioned but highly valuable development fixtures.
Their presence provides athletes from both nations with exposure to new playing styles and international competition experience.
The Tri-Nation Rugby League Festival continues through the week, promising more high-energy games, developing talent, and strengthening international rugby league ties across Africa and the diaspora.
