Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team will regroup in Abuja on Sunday, 10 August, as they kick off preparations for next month’s 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying clash against Rwanda. Training starts the very next day.

New coach Moses Aduku has called up 35 players, a mix of fresh faces and seasoned campaigners, as he looks to stamp his mark on the squad. On his list are four goalkeepers, 11 defenders, 9 midfielders, and 11 forwards.

The first leg is set for Sunday, 21 September, in Kigali, before the Falconets return home to wrap things up at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, on Saturday, 27 September.

Fans will recognise some familiar names from last year’s World Cup in Colombia, captain Oluchi Ohaegbulem, midfield engine Joy Igbokwe, and goal threats Mary Lucky Mkpa and Goodness Osigwe are all back in the mix.

The Falconets made it to the Round of 16 in Colombia, grabbing wins over Korea Republic 1–0 and Venezuela 4–0 but falling narrowly to Japan 2–1 after a group-stage loss to Germany.

Next year’s finals will be held in Poland, and Aduku’s side will be looking to make their mark on the road to qualification.

Full Squad List

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)