Falconets set to travel to Rwanda for World Cup qualifier
Nigeria’s U20 women’s football team, the Falconets, will travel to Kigali on Thursday to continue preparations for their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.
The Falconets, who have reached the World Cup final twice before, will begin their campaign with a second-round, first-leg match on Sunday at the Kigali Pele Stadium — a stadium recently renamed from Stade Regional de Nyamirambo.
Match Officials Named
Referees from Sierra Leone and Liberia have been appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
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Referee: Aminata Fullah (Sierra Leone)
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Assistant referees: Hannah Lydia Moses and Fatmata Mansaray (both from Sierra Leone)
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Fourth official: Love Tuu Wehyee (Liberia)
The second leg will take place on Saturday, 27 September at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Nigeria.
Oyo State backs Falconets with ₦110 million
Back home, the Oyo State Government has approved ₦110 million to support the Falconets’ training camp and match hosting for the qualifiers.
After a government meeting in Ibadan, the Commissioner for Works and Public Transport, Mojeed Mogbonjubola, confirmed the news.
“The Council has approved ₦110 million to support the camping and hosting of the U20 women’s national team here in Ibadan,” Mogbonjubola said.
“This shows our support for youth and sports development. We also hope football will help grow tourism, hospitality, and the local economy.”
The money will cover accommodation, meals, transport, training, security, and medical needs. It also supports Oyo State’s goal of making Ibadan a top location for sports events.
Falconets – a top team in women’s youth football
The Falconets have qualified for every U20 Women’s World Cup, making them one of the most consistent teams in the world.
Germany, who beat Nigeria in the 2010 and 2014 finals, did not qualify for the 2026 tournament — leaving Nigeria among the favourites.
