Falconets eye victory as Rwanda showdown looms in Kigali

Nigeria’s Falconets, two-time FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup silver medallists, will begin their quest for a place at next year’s finals with a second-round, first-leg clash against Rwanda on Sunday in Kigali. The team is scheduled to depart Nigeria on Thursday for the encounter, which will be staged at the Kigali Pele Stadium (formerly Stade […]

Nigeria’s Falconets, two-time FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup silver medallists, will begin their quest for a place at next year’s finals with a second-round, first-leg clash against Rwanda on Sunday in Kigali.

The team is scheduled to depart Nigeria on Thursday for the encounter, which will be staged at the Kigali Pele Stadium (formerly Stade Regional de Nyamirambo).

Since the competition’s launch in 2002, the Falconets have featured in every edition, reaching the final twice (2010 in Germany and 2014 in Canada), though falling to Germany on both occasions. Interestingly, the Germans, also ever-presents until now, have failed to qualify for the upcoming tournament.

For the Kigali tie, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed a team of officials from Sierra Leone and Liberia. Sierra Leone’s Aminata Fullah will referee the game, assisted by Hannah Lydia Moses of Liberia and Fatmata Mansaray of Sierra Leone. Love Tuu Wehyee of Liberia will serve as fourth official.

In addition, Seychelles’ Militna Ivanete Amrie has been named match commissioner, while Amegee Aissata Ameyo of Togo will act as referee assessor.

The return leg will take place in Nigeria, with the aggregate winners advancing further in the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.