Nigeria’s U20 women’s team, the Falconets, secured a slim but vital 1-0 victory over hosts Rwanda in the first leg of their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup second-round qualifier at the Kigali-Pele Stadium on Sunday.
After a tense and goalless first half where both sides cancelled each other out, Alaba Olabiyi became the hero for Nigeria.
She pounced on a goalmouth scramble following a corner kick in the 70th minute to hand the Falconets the win and a crucial advantage heading into the return leg.
The game handed a positive debut for new Head Coach Moses Aduku, who expressed satisfaction with his team’s hardwork.
Aduku: “Falconets Will Go All Out”
Speaking ahead of the match, Aduku had revealed his tactical approach:
“We have had the opportunity to watch the Rwandan girls in their first-round games against Zimbabwe, and we now have an idea of how they play.”
“We will devise strategies to neutralize them and then go for victory.
We are happy to be playing the first leg away, but at the end, what matters is the effort put into every match, not necessarily the venue.”
“I know the quality of players I have in my team, and I have confidence in them.”
His confidence proved justified as the Falconets stood firm defensively and took their chance when it mattered.
Falconets Back Home, Eyes on Ibadan
The victorious delegation returned to Nigeria on Monday morning and immediately proceeded to Ibadan, Oyo State capital, where they will step up preparations for the decisive return leg at the Lekan Salami Stadium on Saturday.
The Falconets are bidding to qualify for their 11th consecutive FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, with the 2026 edition set to hold in Colombia.
They will be eager to make home advantage count as they seek passage to the third round of the qualification series.
Match Facts
-
Fixture: Rwanda 0–1 Nigeria
-
Venue: Kigali-Pele Stadium, Nyamirambo District, Kigali
-
Date: Sunday, September 14, 2025
-
Kick-off: 3pm Rwanda time (2pm Nigeria time)
-
Scorer: Alaba Olabiyi (70’)
