Falconets Return From Kigali With First-Leg Win, Shift Focus To Ibadan For Decisive Clash Against Rwanda

Falconets Return From Kigali With First-Leg Win, Shift Focus To Ibadan For Decisive Clash Against Rwanda

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team, the Falconets, returned to the country on Monday morning after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda in the first leg of their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The match, played at the Pele Stadium in Kigali on Sunday, was decided by a second-half strike from Alaba Olabiyi, whose goal in the 70th minute handed Nigeria a valuable away win and a slim advantage heading into the return leg.

Shortly after their arrival, the team proceeded to Ibadan, Oyo State, where preparations are underway for the second leg of the second-round tie. The decisive fixture is set to take place this Saturday at the Lekan Salami Stadium.

The Falconets, unbeaten in the qualifiers so far, are determined to build on their performance in Kigali and seal progression to the third round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria is aiming to maintain its flawless qualification record, having featured in every edition of the tournament since its inception in 2002. The Falconets have twice reached the final in 2010 and 2014, finishing as runners-up to Germany on both occasions.

The 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup will take place in Poland from 5th to 27th September, across four cities, with 24 teams from six continental federations participating. 

Africa will be represented by four teams at the tournament.