Ghana’s national women rugby league team is set to face their Nigerian counterpart in a historic senior women’s three-series international tournament.
The tournament aims to help the countries who are currently affiliated to the International Rugby League to secure world ranking points in a bid to attain full membership status.
The coach of the national team, Jafaru Mustapha, disclosed to the Times Sports when that was achieved, the full membership status would grant the team an opportunity to play in the Rugby League World Cup qualifiers, attend meetings, and be part of the decision-making process at the global stage.
“Ghana, for the past few years has satisfied the requirements of the games world body and is on the verge of being granted a full membership status. The games against Nigeria are to help build points for grading and ranking.”
These games, he said, align seamlessly with the strategic vision and the relentless efforts of the Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG) in fostering the growth of the women’s rugby league in the country.
The Nigerians will host two matches at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on November 3-5 with the University of Ghana’s Ajax Park in Legon, Accra, hosting the final game on December 9.
Ahead of the trip to Nigeria, Coach Jafaru has named a squad of 26, selected from three clubs to form the training squad for the match against the Nigerians.
The coaching staff has engaged in a meticulous evaluation of every player in the league to identify the top individuals who have strength, power, skills, tackle completion abilities, knowledge of the game, tackle breaks, and discipline, to epitomise our aspirations and bring glory to mother Ghana, he told this paper.
The selected players are:
Skolars: Nadia Enyan, Joyce Sika, Bernice Padikie Awohteye, Mardiyatu Ibrahim, Eunice Awuni, Adiza Mohammed Bogobiri, Millicent Nborti Njomaba, Marceline Ashie, Eunice Lawoe, and Hammond Grace Adjoa.
Nungua Tigers: Ivy Benyah, Rosemary Sewornu, Angela Yakubu, Estelle Haizel, Ellandy Ndifreke Attipoe, Shamsiya Tahiru, Sheila Tetteh, Belinda Ayele, and Theresa Sika Ahoentsu.
Accra Panthers: Mary Obeng, Hilaria Wuaku, Fauziya Nurudeen Larry, Jennifer Teiko Moncar, Bhon Fati, Magaret Tuffour, Cynthia and Anafo Anyokama.
Rosemary Sewornu has been appointed the first-ever captain of the team.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY