2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers: Falconets crush Rwanda, advance to next round

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, rewarded Nigeria’s U20 women’s team, the Falconets, with $15,000 following their emphatic 4–0 victory over Rwanda in the second leg of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.

The Falconets, two-time World Cup runners-up, sealed a 5–0 aggregate triumph to progress into the third round of the African qualifying series, where they will face either Senegal or Algeria in February next year.

Nigeria set the tone early, pressing with purpose and energy from the kickoff. In the 12th minute, winger Tessy Ojiyovwi burst down the left flank and delivered a precise cross for Precious Oscar, who calmly slotted home the opener.

The hosts doubled their lead eight minutes later when Rwanda’s goalkeeper Iramuzi Belise failed to deal with Tumininu Adeshina’s curling corner kick, tipping it into her own net.

Janet Akekoromowei added a third in the 60th minute with a low strike after a flowing move. Substitute Alaba Olabiyi, who had scored the winner in the first leg in Kigali, wrapped up the victory in stoppage time by deflecting Taiwo Afolabi’s shot into the net for Nigeria’s fourth.

Ojiyovwi also had a lively game, seeing one effort ruled out for offside, while Belise made several saves to keep the scoreline respectable.

Governor Makinde, who watched the match live at the Lekan Salami Stadium, praised the Falconets for their dominant performance and assured them of continued support as they aim to qualify for the World Cup.

He immediately rewarded the team with $15,000, sparking celebrations among players and officials.

With a convincing win and growing momentum, the Falconets now shift their focus to the third round, where tougher tests await against either Senegal or Algeria.