Nigeria Makes History: First Team to Qualify for 2025 Women's World Series

Drama unfolded at the Women’s African World Cup Qualifier between Kenya and Nigeria at the NYS Organisation Field in Nairobi on September 22nd. With a 22-14 deficit from the first leg, Kenya faced an uphill battle to secure a spot in the 2025 World Series. In a thrilling second leg, they triumphed 8-0, but it wasn't enough to advance.

As the final whistle blew, confusion reigned. A close look at the tournament rules revealed both teams had scored four tries across the two legs. The tie-breaker came down to goal kicks, where Nigeria edged Kenya with three conversions to two, clinching victory for the Green Falcons. Had the kicks been level, the match would have gone into golden point extra time.

Kenya’s star winger Merisha Negesia, who scored twice in the first leg, struck again with the only try of the match just after the half-hour mark. Diana Omosso extended the lead to 6-0, slotting a penalty after Nigeria was penalized for holding down.

In a tense encounter, Kenya’s Moreen Atieno was shown a yellow card for a high tackle just before the break, while both teams missed penalty kicks early in the second half. Omosso added two crucial drop goals, but Kenya couldn’t find the margin they needed, as Nigeria had three tries disallowed for knock-ons.

Nigeria now progresses to next year’s World Series, where they’ll face off against the winner of a playoff between Greece and Ireland (Europe), the Americas qualifying champion, and the Asia Pacific runner-up. The victor will secure the final berth for the 2026 World Cup.

**KENYA 8**

Milkah Chitechi, Merisha Negesia, Susan Wangechi, Lewin Amazimbi, Lawnisky Munayi, Moreen Atieno, Diana Omosso, Angel Salamba, Faith Oketch, Dorris Kimani, Kerina Omala, Dorothy Mulela, Lovinah Mijere (c)

Subs: Vivian Anyango, Sharon Bosibori, Sophye Nabwire, Hesslah Khisa

Try: Merisha Negesia (32)

Goals: Omosso 1/3; Drop Goals: Omosso 2/2

Sin-bin: Atieno (39 – high tackle)

NIGERIA 0

Blessing Umude, Becky Okitikpe, Lauretta Bayere, Success Iyoha, Endurance Ukwuom, Blessing Aladeyelu, Adaeze Innocent, Shukurat Nojimu, Rukayat Jimoh (c), Chinaza Abbah, Muinat Oseni, Abiola Obazuaye, Rachel Iliya

Subs: Rukayat Akinade, Perpetua Nwanna, Elisabeth Adie, Adaolisa Onyedikachi

Goals: Okitikpe 0/1

Halftime: 6-0