Nigeria’s U20 women’s football team, the Falconets, has kicked off training in Ibadan, Oyo State, in preparation for their highly anticipated 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Rwanda’s She-Amavubi. The team was warmly welcomed by Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke, who assured them of the state government’s unwavering support and encouragement for the crucial match.
Match Details
Date: September 27, 2025
Opponent: Rwanda’s She-Amavubi
Location: Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan
Referee: Ngum Fatou (Gambia)
Assistant Referees: Jainaba Manneh and Abbie Ceesay (Gambia)
Fourth Official: Isatou Touray (Gambia)
Commissioner: Jodie Marian Reid Seton (Liberia)
Referee Assessor: Hayam Mohammed Baraka (Egypt)
The Falconets, led by Captain Joy Igbokwe, expressed gratitude for the state government’s support and pledged to deliver a strong performance, making the country proud. They secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg, courtesy of Alaba Olabiyi’s 70th-minute header in Rwanda.
As two-time World Cup silver medalists, the Falconets are determined to qualify for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. They remain the only African nation to have qualified for every edition of the tournament since its inception in 2002. Nigeria’s experience and depth will likely be the deciding factors in their quest for qualification.
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