Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team goalkeeper, Christiana Uzoma, has described her clean-sheet performance against Rwanda in Kigali as “just the beginning,” expressing confidence that the Falconets will finish the job when they host the return leg in Ibadan.
The Edo Queens shot-stopper stood tall between the posts as Nigeria secured a 1-0 victory over the Amavubi Bees in the first leg of their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier. Uzoma’s safe hands and sharp reflexes ensured that Rwanda failed to find a breakthrough despite several second-half attempts.
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Reflecting on the result, Uzoma said keeping a clean sheet away from home was special but stressed that the tie is far from over. “It was important to remain focused in Kigali and I am happy we achieved a clean sheet. But this is just the beginning — we have to stay disciplined and finish the job in Ibadan,” she said.
The match winner came in the 70th minute, when midfielder Janet Akekoromowei powered home a header from a corner to hand Nigeria the slim advantage. While praising her teammates’ resilience, Uzoma emphasized the need for improvement in the second leg. “We must take our chances better. Rwanda are a strong side and will come at us in Ibadan, so we must be sharper in attack and stay solid at the back,” she added.
Head coach Moses Aduku echoed the goalkeeper’s remarks, noting that the Falconets must avoid complacency. “The first leg was tough, and the second will be tougher. We have to play with greater intensity to qualify.”
Nigeria will host the decisive return leg at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, where a win or draw will seal their passage to the next round of the qualifiers.
