Nigeria’s Falconets have taken a significant step toward 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, played in Kigali on Sunday, was decided by Alaba Olabiyi, who headed home a corner from Miracle Usani twenty minutes from the end after finding space unmarked inside the box.
Coach Moses Aduku’s side created several scoring opportunities throughout the game but were unable to add to their advantage. Nevertheless, the victory puts the Falconets in a strong position ahead of the second leg, which will be staged at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan next Sunday. A draw in the return match will be enough for Nigeria to secure passage into the next round of qualifying.
The 2026 FIFA U‑20 Women’s World Cup will feature the best young female players from around the world, and Nigeria’s Falconets will be looking to build on their recent success and make a strong impression in the competition. Their win over Rwanda demonstrates their skill and determination, and they will be eager to complete the job in the second leg on home soil.
The upcoming match is expected to be closely contested, with fans keen to see whether the Nigerian team can take another step toward qualifying for the prestigious tournament. The qualifying campaign offers Nigeria’s young female players valuable international experience and the chance to compete against top‑level opposition. The Falconets’ progress will be closely followed by football fans in Nigeria and worldwide, and their success could have a significant impact on the development of women’s football in the country.
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