The young Nigerian squad is fully focused on preparing for the two-legged tie against Rwanda.
Nigeria kicks off its qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. Falconets head coach Moses Aduku has called up 35 players to face Rwanda in the second round of qualifiers.
The squad features 4 goalkeepers, 11 defenders, 9 midfielders, and 11 forwards. Several players who took part in the 2024 World Cup in Colombia have been recalled. Among them are captain Oluchi Ohaegbulem, midfielder Joy Igbokwe, and strikers Mary Lucky Mkpa and Goodness Osigwe.
The team will assemble in Abuja on Sunday, August 10, with training sessions set to begin the following day. Notably, the first leg will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, on September 21, 2025. The return fixture in Nigeria is scheduled for September 27 at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan. For reference, the 2026 U20 Women’s World Cup will be held in Poland.
List of pre-selected 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)
