Rwanda vs Nigeria: Falconets target early advantage in Kigali after 5-week camp

Nigeria Falconets. Photo Credit: NFF Comms

Nigeria’s Falconets have settled into Kigali as they prepare for Sunday’s 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, Soccernet.ng reports.

The first leg of the second-round tie takes place at the newly renamed Kigali-Pele Stadium, with the return leg scheduled for Ibadan six days later.

The squad, led by head coach Moses Aduku, shook off travel fatigue with a light recovery session in their hotel gym on Friday.

Spirits were high as the players, reduced to 19 after a demanding five-week camp, went through their routines under the watch of the technical crew.

Aduku, who has overseen one of the Falconets’ most intensive build-ups in recent years, believes his side are primed to strike early in Kigali.

“Well, first and foremost, I want to thank God for the preparation. Five weeks plus, it has been tough,” Aduku said.

“You know, from the beginning, 35 players and now 19. You know, it has not been easy, but honestly, I must give it to the guys. They went through conditioning, techniques, tactics, you know, and right now we’re on the same page. So it’s time for execution, and I believe that the girls will do us proud. So preparation is good.”

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The Falconets have a proud pedigree at this level, finishing runners-up twice and reaching every edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup since 2002. For Aduku, the goal is more than just qualification, it is about sustaining Nigeria’s reputation as a global force in youth football.

Nigeria’s opponents, Rwanda, are in buoyant mood after edging Zimbabwe in the first round. But Aduku is determined to ensure the tie is effectively wrapped up before the second leg.

“Yeah, honestly, we want to do something,” the Nigerian tactician added.

“We want to see how we can see that the second leg, you know, it’s not going to be easy, but that’s what we are planning. To go all out in Rwanda to conclude the game. But I know they are not a pushover.

“They won their last game against Zimbabwe. So therefore, we know they are a good side. We’ve also watched them. But all the same, I’m telling the fans to pray for us, and also we’ll come back with results.”

CAF has appointed Sierra Leone’s Aminata Fullah as referee for Sunday’s game, with Liberian officials Hannah Lydia Moses and Love Tuu Wehyee joining the team. Kick-off is set for 3pm local time (2pm Nigeria).

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.

From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.