U-20 WCQ: Falconets pip Rwanda 1-0 in Kigali

By Tosin Omojola –

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, defeated their Rwandan counterparts 1-0 to take a significant step towards qualifying for the next round of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

The first-leg match, played on Sunday in Kigali, saw the Falconets score the only goal in the second half to secure a hard-fought win.

After a goalless first half, the deadlock was broken with 20 minutes remaining when Janet Seimeyeha Akekoromoaei nodded home a well-directed corner kick for the decisive goal of the encounter.

The result puts Nigeria — two-time finalists at this level — firmly in control of the second-round qualifier.

Nigeria has never missed the U-20 Women’s World Cup since its inception in 2002, and a 12th consecutive appearance now looks within reach.

The second leg will take place at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on Saturday.

The aggregate winner will progress to the third round, where a clash with either Senegal or Algeria awaits.