Nigeria’s Falconets have settled into camp in Ibadan and have begun training as preparations intensify for their crucial second-leg clash against Rwanda in the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, Bold Sports reports.
The two-time World Cup silver medallists arrived in the Oyo State capital on Monday afternoon after their hard-fought 1-0 first-leg victory over the She-Amavubi at the Kigali Pelé Stadium on Sunday.
Alaba Olabiyi’s 70th-minute header in Rwanda gave Moses Aduku’s side the slender but important advantage, leaving them well-placed to finish the job at home on Saturday, September 27, at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
On arrival, the players and officials were received by the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke, who assured the team of the state government’s full backing while expressing confidence in the Falconets’ ability to secure qualification, offering prayers for their success.
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Captain Joy Igbokwe responded on behalf of the squad, thanking the state government for the warm reception and pledging the team’s determination to deliver a strong performance that would make the nation proud.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed Gambian referee Ngum Fatou to officiate the second leg. She will be supported by compatriots Jainaba Manneh (assistant referee 1), Abbie Ceesay (assistant referee 2), and Isatou Touray (fourth official). Jodie Marian Reid Seton from Liberia will serve as match commissioner, while Egyptian Hayam Mohammed Baraka takes the role of referee assessor.
The Falconets, who have qualified for every edition of the U-20 Women’s World Cup since its inception, will progress to the third and final round of qualifiers if they secure victory on aggregate. There, they will face either Senegal or Algeria for a ticket to the 2026 tournament in Poland.
The 12th edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is scheduled for September 5–27, 2026, with Poland hosting for the first time. A total of 24 teams from across all six confederations will vie for global glory.
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