Nigeria’s Falconets struck midway through the second half to claim a narrow 1-0 win over Rwanda's U20 Women’s national team in the first leg of their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier on Sunday afternoon, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Falconets took a big step towards another FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup appearance after grinding out a hard-fought victory over Rwanda in Kigali on Sunday.
The decisive moment arrived in the 70th minute at the Kigali Pelé Stadium when Alaba Olabiyi rose highest to head home from a corner, giving Nigeria a crucial away goal and control of the tie ahead of next weekend’s return leg in Ibadan.
️AMASHUSHO
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Igitego cya mbere ikipe ya Nigeria y’abari n'abategarugori batarengeje imyaka 20 yatsindaga ikipe y'u Rwanda. #WWCQ2026
Rwanda0-1 Nigeria@FERWAFA #RWANGA #UrwagasaboSports pic.twitter.com/eBE8uyWfat
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The first half was tightly contested, with Rwanda looking organised and determined to make the most of home advantage.
However, it was Nigeria who carved out the better chances, pressing higher and forcing errors in midfield, though their final pass often let them down.
After the restart, the Falconets began to assert themselves, pushing Rwanda deeper into their own half. The hosts relied heavily on counter-attacks, but Nigeria’s backline remained compact and composed, limiting any real threats on goal.
The breakthrough eventually came from a set-piece, a pointer to the Falconets’ superior physicality and aerial presence.
Alaba Olabiyi handed Nigeria a deserved lead and the first-leg advantage with her decisive header.
The result puts Nigeria, two-time finalists at this level, firmly in control of the second-round qualifier.
The Falconets have never failed to reach the U20 World Cup since the tournament began in 2002, and a 12th consecutive appearance now looks within reach.
For Rwanda, who are chasing their first-ever ticket to the global stage, the defeat was a setback but not a death sentence.
They showed discipline and spirit, particularly in the first half, but will need to produce something special in Ibadan to overturn the deficit.
The second leg takes place at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, on Saturday. The aggregate winner will progress to the third round, where a clash with either Senegal or Algeria awaits.
