Nigeria’s U20 women’s side, the Falconets, earned a narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali to take a first-leg advantage in their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup second-round qualifier.
The match, played at the Kigali-Pele Stadium in the Nyamirambo district, was a hard-fought contest with both sides struggling to create clear chances during the opening 45 minutes.
The breakthrough arrived in the 70th minute when Alaba Olabiyi reacted quickest in a goalmouth scramble from a corner, slotting home the winner to hand Nigeria control of the tie.
Nigeria midfielder Taiwo Afolabi challenges She-Amavubi players during the qualifier in Kigali. Photo Credit: NFF COMM
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It was a successful start for head coach Moses Aduku in his first competitive game in charge of the Falconets.
The result puts Nigeria, two-time finalists at this level, firmly in control of the second-round qualifier.
The Falconets have never failed to reach the U20 World Cup since the tournament began in 2002, and a 12th consecutive appearance now looks within reach.
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Both teams will meet again in the return leg at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on Saturday, with Nigeria looking to finish the job in front of home supporters. The Falconets’ delegation is scheduled to return to Nigeria on Monday morning.
