Playing as a loose forward, Iliya helped inspire Nigeria to a 22-14 win over Kenya in the first leg of their Middle East-Africa Rugby League Women’s World Cup qualifying tie in Nairobi.
The Green Falcons lost the second leg 8-0 – leaving the aggregate score level at 22-22 – and with both teams equal on four tries, they progressed to the World Series on goals kicked. Kenya only kicked two goals to Nigeria’s three – with their additional drop-goal not included in the tally under tournament rules.
Nigeria will take on Ireland in the semi-finals on 21 October, with the winners facing either hosts Canada or Fiji five days later for a place at next year’s World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Should Nigeria qualify then they would make history as the first African nation ever to reach a Women’s World Cup.
“If we qualify for the World Cup it’s not just going to be good for Nigeria [but] for Africa,” NRLA vice chairman Ade Adebisi told BBC Sport Africa.
“It will be an incredible thing being the first to qualify.”
The Green Falcons have to deal with a lack of investment and rarely get the chance to play top-class opponents.
However, the squad will hold a three-week training camp in Lagos and entertain local rivals Ghana three times before heading to the World Series.
“It’s going to be very tough, but we are willing to go there and showcase our strength as Africans and Nigerians,” Iliya said.
“The global stage is what we’re after.”
Iliya, meanwhile, has the chance to hone her skills after joining Bradford Bulls on a six-month training programme.
A partnership between the English club and the NRLA was launched in 2023 to share expertise and support the growth of the game in Nigeria, helping to discover and nurture local talent.
“It’s a time for me to show the world that we Nigerians, and Africans at large, have good athletes,” Iliya said.
“We have so much talent that needs to be discovered.”
