Nigeria’s U20 women’s team, the Falconets, will begin their quest for a place at the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in the second round of African qualifiers, where they are set to face either Rwanda or Zimbabwe.

The Falconets, one of Africa’s most successful youth teams, received a bye to the second round alongside a few other nations due to their historic pedigree in the competition.

The qualifiers kick off across the continent this weekend, signalling the beginning of a long journey toward the tournament set to be held in Poland in August 2026.

Nigeria’s Falconets. Photo by IMAGO

Africa’s qualification campaign will unfold over four knockout rounds, with just four teams eventually making it through to the global finals.

Nigeria’s Falconets carry a fearsome record into the qualifiers — unbeaten in the competition’s history with 44 wins and only three draws. The team, a vital pipeline for talent into the Super Falcons, has featured in every edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup since its inception.

U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers: Nigeria’s Falconets await winner of Rwanda – Zimbabwe tie

Nigeria’s Falconets. Photo by IMAGO

The Falconets have twice reached the final of the global tournament, losing to Germany on both occasions — first in 2010, then again in 2014. Despite those setbacks, they remain a powerhouse on the continent and a consistent force at the global level.

As they await the outcome of the first-round clash between Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Nigeria’s preparations will continue with a focus on maintaining their qualifying dominance.

Nigeria’s Falconets. Photo by IMAGO

The winner between Rwanda and Zimbabwe will be decided over two legs — the first to be played on Sunday, 11 May, and the second leg on Wednesday, 14 May.

U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers – First Round Fixtures

Friday, 9 May 2025

Gambia U20 0–1 Côte d’Ivoire U20 (FT)

Sunday, 11 May 2025

Rwanda U20 vs Zimbabwe U20 – 14:00

Malawi U20 vs Central African Republic U20 – 14:00

South Sudan U20 vs Djibouti U20 – 16:00

Togo U20 vs Tunisia U20 – 17:00

Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Zimbabwe U20 vs Rwanda U20 – 14:00

Friday, 16 May 2025

Djibouti U20 vs South Sudan U20 – 17:00

Sunday, 18 May 2025

Côte d’Ivoire U20 vs Gambia U20 – 19:00

Central African Republic U20 vs Malawi U20 – 15:00

Tunisia U20 vs Togo U20 – 18:00

Cancelled Fixtures

Gabon U20 vs Niger U20 – Both legs cancelled

This post was last modified on May 10, 2025 1:42 pm

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad. From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.