History Beckons On The Green Falcons As Dr. King A ‘Friend of Rugby’ Support & Host Team In Canada
By Obong Ntiense Williams
”Mr Rugby”
Today Sunday 26th October 2025, Nigeria’s Women Rugby League team known as the Green Falcons will be aiming to make history as the first Rugby team to qualify for the World CUP when they take on Fiji Women Rugby League team called the Bulikula in the finals of the ongoing International Rugby League World Series in Canada.
Both teams who are almost playing the same style / brand of Rugby will be trying to get the sole slot for the Rugby League World CUP in Australia next year 2026.
Earlier in the day, Ireland will lock horns with host Canada in the 3rd Place Bronze match, Nigeria had defeated Ireland by 10 points to Nil in the first Semi-Finals, whilst Fiji mauled host Canada by 48 points to Nil
The Green Falcons not just carries the hope and aspirations of Nigeria, but of Africa as they will be the first African Women Rugby League side to ever qualify for the Rugby League World Cup and the first Nigerian Rugby / Oval Sports team to ever get to this stage and possibly qualify for a World Cup!
Meanwhile, a genuine “Friend of Rugby” Dr. Adeleye King whose daughter Adeola King who plays Left Prop for the Green Falcons and one of the foreign players invited from Canada to play for the National Rugby League team in Nigeria.
Dr King who has taken keen interest in his daughter’s sporting growth and the Rugby National Team also took out time to visit the team in Camp and watched their two International friendly matches played at Alero City in Lagos where Nigeria defeated their Ghanaian neighbours in both matches took out time to link up with some Rugby stakeholders towards a sustained support for the sport in Nigeria.
Dr. King as he is fondly called is the CEO of
Sagewise Financial Canada which is the first Black-owned fintech institution to emerge from Canada.
He cought up with “Mr Rugby” Obong Ntiense Williams who also came around to watch and support the team that features five of his girls from Edo State where he is the Head Coach.
Empowering the Next Generation of Nigerian Athletes
According to Dr. King, “It was an honor to host the Nigerian women’s national rugby team at our home in Canada, and I’m thrilled to have played a part in their journey. Watching these talented young women grow in confidence, unity, and skill has been truly inspiring.”
Said he, “As a parent and CEO of Sagewise Financial Canada, we believe in empowerment through opportunity. Supporting these athletes and their coaches wasn’t just about giving back; it was about investing in the future of Nigerian girls who dare to dream big.
By providing a platform for them to shine, we can help unlock their potential and create a brighter future for generations to come.”
Dr. Adeleye continued, “Hosting the team at our home was about creating a sense of belonging and encouragement. These girls came to Canada representing their country with pride, and we were proud to support them like a family.
At Sagewise Financial, we’re committed to opening doors for people who pursue excellence. Our partnership with the Nigerian women’s national rugby league team aligns perfectly with our vision.
I hope this experience shows young girls in Nigeria that they can excel in any field; sports, technology and leadership with the right support, discipline, and belief in themselves.
The journey of these rugby girls proves that talent from Nigeria can shine globally, and I’m proud to have played a small part in their story.”
Sagewise Financial is the first Black-owned fintech institution to emerge from Canada. We believe in empowering individuals and communities through financial inclusion and opportunity.
We look forward to more “Friends of Rugby” like Dr. Adeleye King to come and support the development of the beautiful game of Rugby for our Nigerian youth at home and in diaspora to make a sporting carrier therefrom and also have a livelihood.
