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Nigeria’s Falconets claimed an away win in Kigali, edging Rwanda 1-0 in the first leg of their 2026 U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier. The decisive goal came in the 70th minute when Janet Seimeyeha Akekoromowei rose highest from a corner to head home.
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The match at Kigali Pelé Stadium was tightly contested for much of the first half, with Rwanda showing discipline and resistance. Nigeria, however, gained control in the second half, pressing higher and creating more opportunities.
That away goal gives the Falconets a slender but crucial advantage heading into the second leg in Ibadan next weekend.
Editorial
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We believe this result in Kigali represents a strong start for the Falconets. Winning away in a qualifier brings not just a lead on the scoreboard but confidence, momentum, and psychological edge. In these two-legged affairs, an away goal often shapes the dynamics of the return match in profound ways.
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The manner of the victory is equally important. Scoring from a set‐piece shows coaches’ attention to details like aerial strength and rehearsed routines. Holding off pressure after the lead will test how steady and focused the squad is. These qualities matter if Nigeria is to avoid surprises in Ibadan.
Looking ahead, the Falconets must guard against complacency. Rwanda will no doubt be fired up in the home leg, seeking both response and redemption. Nigeria must maintain tactical discipline, be sharp in transitions, and ensure they don’t allow the away advantage to slip through defensive lapses or underestimation of their opponents.
We expect the second leg to be a test not just of skill, but of nerve. If the Falconets approach it with the same energy, commitment, and attention to detail exhibited in Kigali, they are strongly favoured to progress. They have started well — now they must finish well.
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Did You Know?
Janet Seimeyeha Akekoromowei’s header in Kigali came from a corner demonstrating the importance of well-practised set-pieces in tight away matches.
The match was played at the Kigali Pelé Stadium, which has become one of Rwanda’s prominent venues for international youth fixtures.
With this win, the Falconets maintain their perfect record of qualifying for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup since its inception in 2002.
Nigeria’s strategy in the first half emphasized patience: probing Rwanda’s structure, pressing errors in midfield, but only finding reward after sustained pressure in the second half.
The return leg will take place at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, where crowd support and home advantage could play a key role in closing out the tie.