Newly appointed head Aduku has announced a 35-player squad for the Nigeria U-20 women’s national team (Falconets) as they begin preparations for next month’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup second-round qualifier against Rwanda. The camp, scheduled to begin on 11 August in Abuja, brings together a balanced squad featuring four goalkeepers, eleven defenders, nine midfielders and eleven forwards.
A notable inclusion is the call-up of six players from Nigerian domestic clubs often referred to as "Amazons" a nod to their affiliation with teams like Nasarawa Amazons, Edo Queens and Naija Ratels. These six promising players will join the Falconets in camp and aim to shine ahead of the two-legged showdown with Rwanda, set for 21 September in Kigali and 27 September at Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.
Editorial
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When we consider the Falconets’ journey, every fresh face ushers in a wave of potential. The inclusion of six Amazons from the domestic league isn’t just symbolic—it’s a statement. It affirms that our homegrown talents are ready to measure up on the international stage.
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We believe this blending of experience and youthful energy will invigorate the squad precisely when it matters most. Bringing in players from domestic clubs boosts competitive spirit and ensures scouting isn’t confined to familiar names. These Amazons bring names and stories of perseverance, and their call-ups could ignite competition within the camp, sharpening every individual.
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We trust that Moses Aduku’s selection approach will lay a robust foundation for a dynamic team culture one where opportunity and performance walk hand in hand. The qualifiers against Rwanda present more than a hurdle—they offer a stage for these women to rise. Their contributions could be pivotal in propelling the next chapter of Nigerian women’s football forward.
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Did You Know?
Falconets Legacy Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, the Falconets, became the first African team to reach the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final back in 2010.
Home-grown Pipeline "Amazons" clubs like Nasarawa Amazons and Bayelsa Queens have produced several senior Super Falcons stars over the years.
Nigeria’s U-20 Coach History: Moses Aduku previously led an U-17 women’s youth team before stepping up to guide the Falconets.
[Qualifier Format](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/international-nigerian-footballers/chelsea-player-close-to-finalizing-permanent-move-to-strasbourg/) For the 2026 U-20 Women’s World Cup, [African qualification](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/football-history/rashidi-yekini-hero-who-fired-nigeria-to-first-world-cup/) hinges on home-and-away knock-out rounds rather than group stages.
Domestic League Boost Nigeria Women Premier League averaged a record number of clubs participating in the 2024 season, reflecting growing investment in women’s football.