A resilient She-Amavubi side fell narrowly to Nigeria’s Falconets on Sunday afternoon, losing 1–0 in the first leg of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers second round at Kigali-Pele Stadium.
The decisive moment came in the 70th minute when Nigeria’s Alaba Olabiyi pounced during a goalmouth scramble from a corner, breaking the deadlock in an otherwise evenly fought contest.
Both teams created scoring opportunities, but Rwanda’s young talents were unable to convert their chances in front of a boisterous home crowd. The match, which drew an unusually large turnout, was graced by the presence of Rwanda’s Minister of Sport, who joined thousands of fans in rallying behind the home side.
The fixture marked two notable firsts: it was the debut match for Coach Moses Aduku at the helm of the Nigerian Falconets and the first national-team appearance for FERWAFA Women’s Football Commissioner Nikita Gicanda Vervelde in her new role.
Despite the setback, Gicanda Vervelde praised the Rwandan players and technical bench for their spirited display.
“We are proud of our coaching and technical staff, and of the players, for competing with courage against one of the world’s top sides. But we must also believe more. We need to attack and play our own game — because when we do, we will show what we are truly capable of,” she said. “I was especially happy to see the Minister of Sport with us today supporting the girls, alongside thousands of passionate fans. Keep believing in us and trusting the process, and I promise you all that in the years ahead, this FERWAFA will show you something very special.”
Nigeria now carry a slender advantage into the return leg, set for Saturday at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, where Rwanda will seek a historic comeback to keep their World Cup dream alive.
