Nigeria begin 2026 U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers

Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team, the Falconets will depart Lagos for Kigali on Thursday as preparations intensify for their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying tie against Rwanda.

The first leg of the second-round encounter is scheduled for Sunday, September 14 at the Kigali Pele Stadium, recently renamed from Stade Régional de Nyamirambo.

CAF has appointed Sierra Leone’s Aminata Fullah as centre referee, with compatriots Hannah Lydia Moses and Fatmata Mansaray as assistants, while Love Tuu Wehyee of Liberia will serve as fourth official.

The return leg will take place on Saturday, September 27 at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

Oyo State steps In with major support

The Oyo State Executive Council has approved ₦110 million to cover the team’s camping and hosting expenses in Ibadan.

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

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

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“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, reinforcing Oyo State’s ambition to position Ibadan as a hub for major sporting events.

The Falconets, two-time World Cup finalists in 2010 and 2014, qualified for every edition of the U20 Women’s World Cup. With Germany failing to qualify for the 2026 tournament, Nigeria enter the qualifiers as one of the most experienced and consistent sides in the competition’s history.