- By Daniel Oyekan
In a landmark show of corporate support for women’s sport, Chappal Energies has announced its sponsorship of Nigeria’s Women’s Rugby League Team, the Green Falcons, as they depart for Canada to compete in the 2025 Women’s Rugby League World Series.
A tournament that could see them make history as the first African nation to qualify for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup.
The global series, which features Nigeria, Canada, Ireland, and Fiji, will determine the final slot for the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea. For Nigeria, participation in the event represents not only a sporting milestone but also a powerful statement about the rise of African women in global athletics.
Speaking during the announcement in Lagos, Ufoma Immanuel, Managing Director of Chappal Energies, said the company’s support aligns with its values of opportunity, perseverance, and empowerment.
“Supporting the Green Falcons goes to the heart of what we stand for at Chappal Energies. Belief, perseverance and possibility are qualities we hold dear,” Immanuel said. “Our Falcons represent the resilience, courage, and ambition that drive progress in our communities and our country. We are proud to stand with them as they make history for Nigeria and for Africa.”
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Comprising mainly of amateur athletes from humble backgrounds, the Green Falcons’ rise has been fuelled by determination and sacrifice. Many of the players have balanced work, education, and family responsibilities while training to represent Nigeria at the highest level.
Abiodun Cole, Chairman of the Nigerian Rugby League, the journey to Canada marks a defining moment in the country’s sporting history.
“This moment means everything to us. We carry the hopes of a nation, of every girl who has ever been told she couldn’t,” Cole further said-“Chappal’s support reminds us that we are not alone, and that Nigeria believes in us.”
The Falcons will open their campaign Today, October 21, in Canada, where they will compete for a place in the expanded 2026 World Cup. A successful qualification would not only cement Nigeria’s place on the world stage but also mark a breakthrough for women’s rugby in Africa