2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria’s Falconets Set for Crucial Qualifier vs Senegal

Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team, the Falconets, is set to face Senegal in the first leg of the third qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup on Saturday in Abeokuta.

According to team officials, the squad is fit and focused following rigorous preparations. Head coach Moses Aduku emphasized the team’s serious approach, stating they treat every match “with the seriousness of a final.” Captain Joy Igbokwe echoed the determination to secure a positive result at home before the decisive return leg in Dakar on February 14.

Nigeria advanced after a 5-0 aggregate win over Rwanda, while Senegal defeated Algeria. The overall winner of the two-leg tie will move closer to securing a spot at the finals in Poland.

A strong home performance is crucial to building an advantage before the challenging away fixture in Senegal.

The match is a key step in Nigeria’s quest to maintain its consistent record of qualifying for the U20 Women’s World Cup.

It represents a significant hurdle for Senegal, which is pursuing a historic first qualification.

Home support in Abeokuta could provide a vital morale and performance boost for the young team.

The outcome will significantly shape the trajectory and confidence of the Falconets’ qualifying campaign.

All attention is on the MKO Abiola Stadium as the Falconets aim to take a commanding first step toward World Cup qualification against a motivated Senegalese side.