Nigeria’s U20 women’s team, the Falconets, secured a crucial 1-0 away victory against hosts Rwanda in their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup second-round, first-leg qualifying match in Kigali on Sunday.

Both teams battled fiercely at the Kigali-Pele Stadium in Nyamirambo, with the first half ending goalless after a tense and physical contest.

The breakthrough came in the 70th minute when Alaba Olabiyi pounced on a goalmouth scramble from a corner to hand Nigeria the decisive goal, a perfect start for new head coach Moses Aduku in his first match in charge.

The two sides will meet again in the return leg at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, on Saturday. The Falconets’ delegation is expected back in Nigeria on Monday morning.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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