Nigeria: Falconets off to Kigali as Oyo State approves ₦110m for World Cup preparations

Nigeria’s Falconets will leave for Kigali on Thursday as preparations hit full swing for their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying clash against Rwanda, Soccernet.ng reports.

The two-time World Cup finalists begin their campaign with a second-round, first-leg tie at the Kigali Pele Stadium on Sunday, a venue recently renamed from Stade Regional de Nyamirambo.

Match officials from Sierra Leone and Liberia have been assigned by CAF.

Sierra Leone’s Aminata Fullah will referee the tie, supported by assistants Hannah Lydia Moses and Fatmata Mansaray, with Liberia’s Love Tuu Wehyee serving as fourth official.

The return-leg tie is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

Germany, who denied Nigeria the trophy in both 2010 and 2014, failed to qualify for next year’s finals – leaving the Falconets among the tournament’s most established sides.

Back home, Oyo State has stepped in with significant support. The State Executive Council approved ₦110 million to fund the Falconets’ camping and hosting ahead of the qualifiers.

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Commissioner for Works and Public Transport, Mojeed Mogbonjubola, confirmed the development after Tuesday’s EXCO meeting in Ibadan.

“The Council has approved ₦110 million to facilitate the camping and hosting arrangements for the U20 Female National Team here in Ibadan,” Mogbonjubola said.

“This is part of our commitment to youth and sports development, while also using football to boost tourism, hospitality, and the state’s economy.”

The funding will cover accommodation, feeding, logistics, training facilities, security, and medical support. It also reinforces Oyo State’s ambition to position Ibadan as a hub for major sporting events.

The Falconets have qualified for every edition of the U20 Women's World Cup, confirming their status as of the world’s most consistent youth sides.