Falconets Aim to Seal U-20 World Cup Berth in Dakar Second Leg
Nigeria’s Falconets will look to advance in the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers when they face Senegal in the second leg on Wednesday in Dakar. Head coach Moses Aduku expressed confidence his side can secure progression, building on a 1-0 first-leg advantage.
The Falconets claimed a narrow lead in the opening fixture at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta last weekend. Despite a tough first half, Nigeria adjusted after the interval to earn the vital victory against a determined Senegalese side, locally known as the Lionesses. Coach Aduku highlighted the importance of lessons learned from that match.
“We will overcome because we have reviewed the match and taken a lot of lessons on board,” Aduku told the official Nigeria Football Federation website. “I commend the girls for regrouping after a tough first half, adjusting tactics and showing character in the second half.”
The reverse fixture in Senegal’s capital is anticipated to be a fiercely contested match. The Falconets are scheduled to travel to Dakar for the game, with a 25-player squad. The team will be without prolific striker Janet Akekoromowei, who has been ruled out due to injury.
This qualifier determines which African nation progresses to the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria’s Falconets are former champions of the tournament, having won the title in 2014, 2016, and 2018, and are perennial contenders for African qualification. A positive result in Dakar would move them one step closer to returning to the global stage. The match kicks off the decisive phase of the two-legged tie, where Nigeria’s away goal from the first leg could prove crucial.
