The Nigeria U20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have resumed camping in Abuja as preparations intensify for their crucial 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying tie against Rwanda.
Newly appointed head coach, Moses Aduku, has invited 35 players to camp ahead of the second-round fixtures, which will see the Falconets take on the Rwandan U20 side in a two-legged encounter scheduled for September.
The first leg will take place in Kigali on Sunday, 21st September, while the return leg is billed for the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on Saturday, 27th September.
Among the invited players are four goalkeepers, 11 defenders, nine midfielders, and 11 forwards. Training sessions are expected to begin on Monday, 11th August, following the players’ resumption to camp on Sunday, 10th August.
Coach Aduku has opted for a strong mix of experience and new talent, recalling key players from the team that participated in the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia. The recalled players include team captain and defender Oluchi Ohaegbulem, industrious midfielder Joy Igbokwe, and sharp forwards Mary Lucky Mkpa and Goodness Osigwe.
In the 2024 edition of the tournament, which expanded to include 24 teams for the first time, the Falconets had an impressive group stage run, beating Korea Republic 1-0, losing narrowly to Germany 1-3, and thrashing Venezuela 4-0. However, their campaign ended in the Round of 16 after a tight 1-2 defeat to Japan.
With eyes firmly set on qualifying for the next edition, which will be held in Poland in 2026, the Falconets are determined to build on their recent performances and secure a spot at the global showpiece once again.
ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS
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)
