National Teams
2026 U20 WWCQ: Moses Aduku names 19-woman squad for Falconets’ Rwanda clash

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Falconets head coach Moses Aduku has unveiled a 19-player squad for Nigeria’s opening fixture in the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, as the team prepares to face Rwanda in Kigali this weekend.
Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team will begin their quest for a ticket to next year’s global showpiece with a second-round, first-leg tie at the Kigali Pele Stadium (formerly Stade Régional de Nyamirambo) on Sunday.
The team will depart Nigeria on Thursday, with preparations already fine-tuned ahead of what promises to be a crucial encounter against the Rwandan U20 side.
Aduku’s squad features a blend of home-based talents and players from established academies across the country, reflecting the coaching crew’s emphasis on balance and versatility.
The Falconets, two-time FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finalists, are expected to assert their pedigree in the qualifiers, with Aduku stressing the importance of securing a decisive result away from home before the return leg in Nigeria.
Full 19-Player List
Christiana Uzoma
Jane Ijirigho
Oluchi Ohaegbulem
Tumininu Adeshina
Miracle Usani
Faridat Abdulwahab
Esther Ezekwugo
Folashade Adegbemile
Taiwo Afolabi
Joy Igbokwe
Favour Nkwocha
Mary Aderemi
Kafayat Mafisere
Esther Inyang
Precious Oscar
Esther Moses
Janet Akekoromowei
Alaba Olabiyi
Ramotalahi Kareem
The Falconets are widely tipped to reach the final stages of the qualifiers, but Aduku has warned his players against complacency, emphasising the need to stay focused and disciplined throughout the campaign.
