Nigeria’s Falconets have taken a significant step towards qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, defeating Rwanda 1-0 in the first leg of their second-round qualifying tie. The match, held in Kigali on Sunday, saw Alaba Olabiyi score the decisive goal 20 minutes from time, nodding home a corner-kick from Miracle Usani after being left unmarked inside the box.

The Nigerian team, led by coach Moses Aduku, created several scoring opportunities throughout the game but were unable to add to their advantage. Despite this, the Falconets’ victory puts them in a strong position ahead of the second leg, which is scheduled to take place at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan next Sunday.

A draw in the return leg will be sufficient for Nigeria to secure their passage into the next round of qualifying. The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is set to be a major international football tournament, featuring the best young female players from around the world. Nigeria’s Falconets will be looking to build on their recent success and make a strong impression in the competition.

The team’s victory over Rwanda is a testament to their skill and determination, and they will be eager to complete the job in the second leg. With the return match taking place on home soil, the Falconets will be confident of securing the result they need to progress. The match is expected to be closely contested, and fans will be eager to see if the Nigerian team can take another step towards qualifying for the prestigious tournament.

The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign is an important opportunity for Nigeria’s young female players to gain international experience and compete against top-level opposition. The Falconets’ progress in the competition will be closely followed by football fans in Nigeria and around the world, and their success could have a significant impact on the development of women’s football in the country.