Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Super Falconets, boosted their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland with a narrow 1-0 win over Rwanda in the first leg of their qualifier on Sunday in Kigali.
The two-time World Cup finalists secured the crucial away victory thanks to a second-half strike, putting themselves in a strong position ahead of the return leg in Ibadan.
The opening 45 minutes was tightly contested, with Rwanda focusing on their defensive setup to frustrate the Nigerians. Both sides went into the break without breaking the deadlock.
After the restart, the Falconets turned up the pressure, and their persistence paid off in the 70th minute when Janet Akekoromowei rose highest to nod home from a corner, handing Nigeria the lead.
Rwanda fought hard to find an equaliser, but the Falconets’ defence held firm to ensure the slender advantage was preserved.
The decisive second leg will be played at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on Saturday, September 27. The aggregate winner will progress to the third round of qualifiers, where they will face either Senegal or Algeria.
