Falconets boss Moses Aduku, optimistic ahead of Rwanda World Cup Qualifier

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports by Olusola Adebayo

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, are intensifying preparations ahead of their crucial FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in September.

Head coach Moses Aduku, who recently took charge of the team, has expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness, while captain Joy Igbokwe has also assured fans that the team is mentally and physically prepared.

 

The Falconets, who received a bye in the first round of qualifiers, will travel to Kigali for the first leg on September 21, 2025, before hosting the return fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, on September 27, 2025.

Their opponents, Rwanda, advanced to this stage after edging Zimbabwe 2-1 on aggregate in the previous round.

Speaking on the team’s preparations, Coach Aduku revealed that the first week of camp was challenging due to the players’ return from the off-season, but significant progress has since been made.

“So far, so good, the players are responding to training,” Aduku said.

“The first week was tough because they had been off for about two months, but with conditioning and tactical drills, the team has improved.”

” Rwanda is a strong side with pace and good teamwork, but we have studied their matches, and we are working on strategies to neutralize their threats. We still have two more weeks to prepare, and I believe the girls will be ready.”

Team captain Joy Igbokwe echoed the coach’s confidence, stressing that the players are determined to deliver results.

“As captain, I’m privileged to lead this team,” she said. “We know Rwanda is a good side, but so are we.”

“Through our training sessions and friendly matches, we’ve been working very hard together. By God’s grace, we believe our first match in Kigali will be a success.”

Nigeria’s Falconets remain one of the most successful teams in the history of the competition, having qualified for every edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup since its inception in 2002.

The team reached the Round of 16 in the last edition in 2024 and will be aiming for another strong run as they target a place in the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

The winner of the two-legged tie will face the winner of Algeria vs Senegal in the next round, with eventual winner of the decisive tie over two legs will secure a qualification ticket to Poland.