Nigeria’s Falconets marched confidently into the third round of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after putting Rwanda to the sword with a commanding 4-0 win at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.
The young Nigerian side, who had already secured a slim 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Kigali, left no room for doubt this time. Their latest victory wrapped up the tie with an aggregate score of 5-0, booking them a clash against either Senegal or Algeria in the next stage of the qualifiers for Poland 2026.
Backed by a lively Ibadan crowd still in celebratory mood following the coronation of Rashidi Ladoja as the new Olubadan, the Falconets played with energy and confidence from the first whistle. Their fast-paced attacking approach unsettled the visitors and quickly set the tone for what turned into a one-sided contest.
The breakthrough came just 13 minutes in, when Janet Akekoromewei beat her marker on the flank and laid the ball off for Precious Oscar, who tucked home with composure.
Barely three minutes later, the hosts doubled their tally in spectacular style. Tumininu Adesina bent a corner kick directly into the net, leaving the Rwandan goalkeeper stranded as the stadium erupted in celebration.
Nigeria didn’t take their foot off the gas after halftime. On the hour mark, Janet, who had been a thorn in Rwanda’s defence all game, unleashed a fierce strike from distance. The goalkeeper got a touch but couldn’t keep it out, making it 3-0.
Deep into stoppage time, substitute Taiwo Afolabi applied the finishing touch, calmly steering in the fourth goal to round off an impressive night for coach Moses Aduku’s side.
Attention now shifts to the third-round tie. With Senegal holding a 2-0 advantage over Algeria from their first leg, they remain favourites to meet Nigeria in what promises to be a fierce battle. The winner of that matchup will move on to the final round, where four African slots for the 2026 U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland will be up for grabs.
