Rwanda’s dreams of qualifying for the U20 Women’s World Cup are dashed by Nigeria

In a 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup second round, first leg qualifying match, Nigeria’s Falconets traveled to Kigali and defeated Rwanda 1-0 on Sunday.

The match, which drew a small crowd at Kigali Pele Stadium, saw a tough first forty-five minutes of play with no breakthrough for either team.

In the 70th minute, Alaba Olabiyi gave the visitors the lead with a goalmouth scramble after a corner kick.

The rematch between the two sides is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, at Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.

While Rwanda must win by a two-goal margin to advance in the competition for a spot at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, Nigeria may secure a spot in the next round of the qualifications with a draw.

Poland will host a FIFA tournament for the second time; in 2019, it hosted the Men’s FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The European nation will also host a FIFA women’s competition for the first time.

Whereas Europe will supply six teams, Africa will produce four, Asia and CONMEBOL will each produce four, and Oceania will produce two.