Falconets Begin Preparations for 2026 U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifier Against Rwanda

Falconets Begin Preparations for 2026 U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifier Against Rwanda

By Niyi Busari 

As part of their build-up to the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, will resume camping in Abuja on Sunday, August 10, ahead of their second-round clash against Rwanda, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Newly appointed head coach Moses Aduku has named a 35-player squad to open the first phase of preparations. The list comprises four goalkeepers, 11 defenders, nine midfielders, and 11 forwards.

 Full training sessions are scheduled to commence the day after camp opens.

The Falconets will travel to Kigali for the first leg on Sunday, September 21, while the return leg will take place at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, on Saturday, September 27.

Coach Aduku has retained a core group of players who featured at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, where Nigeria reached the Round of 16. Key returnees include team captain and defender Oluchi Ohaegbulem, midfielder Joy Igbokwe, and forwards Mary Lucky Mkpa and Goodness Osigwe.

At the Colombia tournament, Nigeria opened with a 1-0 win over Korea Republic, suffered a 1-3 defeat to Germany, bounced back with a 4-0 victory over Venezuela, but narrowly lost 1-2 to Japan in the knockout round.

The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will be hosted in Poland, and the Falconets are looking to secure another qualification ticket as part of Nigeria’s rich tradition in youth women’s football.

Full Squad List

Goalkeepers:

GodsTime Elisha (Ibom Angels), Fatima Okolo (Rivers Angels), Sylvia Echefu (Bayelsa Queens), Stella Emperor (Adamawa Queens)

Defenders:

Oluchi Ohaegbulem (Nasarawa Amazons), Tumininu Adeshina (Naija Ratels), Folashade Adegbemile (Edo Queens), Sandra Nwibe (Rivers Angels), Marylen Edem (Nasarawa Amazons), Vivian Ekezie (Abia Angels), Esther Adesoji (Nasarawa Amazons), Prisca Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers), Motunrayo Yusuf (FC Robo Queens), Ramotallahi Kareem (Rivers Angels), Chiamaka Ezekuwugo (Bayelsa Queens)

Midfielders:

Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels), Kafaya Mafisera (Edo Queens), Joy Igbokwe (Nasarawa Amazons), Yetunde Omotosho (Remo Stars Ladies), Esther Inyang (Edo Queens), Mary Aderemi (Bayelsa Queens), Favour Nkwocha (FC Robo Queens), Faridat Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons), Adanna Nwachukwu (Naija Ratels)

Forwards:

Mary Mamudu (Edo Queens), Mary Nkpa (Bayelsa Queens), Goodness Osigwe (Edo Queens), Delight Isaac (Bayelsa Queens), Esther Moses (Edo Queens), Grace Saliu (Naija Ratels), Dorothy Eshiet (Abia Angels), Alaba Olabiyi (Bayelsa Queens), Tessy Ojiyovwi (Nasarawa Amazons), Precious Oscar (Bayelsa Queens), Daniella Fagbenro (Remo Stars Ladies)