The Nigerian U-20 women’s national team, affectionately referred to as the Falconets, is gearing up to take on Senegal in a highly anticipated third-round match of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, which is set to resume in February of next year. This crucial matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams strive for a coveted spot in the global tournament.
‎Under the capable leadership of Coach Adukwu, the Falconets navigated the second round of qualifiers with exceptional skill and determination. They achieved a remarkable aggregate victory of 5–0 over Rwanda, showcasing their offensive prowess throughout the two-leg contest.
‎ They delivered a stellar performance in the first leg at home, winning 4–0, thanks to impressive contributions from players like Oscar, Adeshina, Akekoromwei, and Afolabi, all of whom proved instrumental in securing a commanding win and boosting the team’s confidence as they advance.
‎In a parallel qualifier match, Senegal demonstrated their formidable strength and competitive spirit by convincingly defeating Algeria with a total aggregate score of 6–0. The Senegalese team, known for their dynamic play, displayed their attacking capabilities by clinching a 2–0 victory in the first leg held in Thiès, followed by a remarkable 4–0 away win in Blida. The success was underpinned by goals from key players such as Sarr, Badio, Pène, and Sagna, which were complemented by an unfortunate own goal by Algerian player Rekibi, highlighting the Senegalese team’s relentless pursuit of victory.
‎As both teams prepare for their upcoming third-round clash, the encounter is expected to be one of the most compelling and closely contested matchups in the qualifiers.
‎The Falconets, with their rich history as a two-time finalist in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, will rely on their wealth of experience, tactical depth, and the youthful energy of their squad. Conversely, Senegal will enter the match with a surge of momentum, seeking to utilize their recent successes to secure an upset and propel themselves further in the tournament.
‎The third round of qualifiers also presents several other exciting fixtures that will capture the attention of football fans across the continent. Ghana is set to face off against South Africa, while Uganda will go head-to-head with Zambia. In another notable matchup, Cameroon will challenge Botswana. Additional matches to look out for include Kenya taking on Tanzania, Cote d’Ivoire squaring off against DR Congo, Egypt versus Benin, and Guinea-Bissau meeting Malawi.
‎The highly anticipated third round of qualifiers will commence in February 2026, with the aggregate winners advancing closer to the prestigious FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup scheduled to be held in Chile. For the Falconets, the journey toward the World Cup continues to unfold, but they must first navigate the formidable challenge posed by Senegal. The aggregate winner across the two legs will secure their passage to the fourth and final round of qualifiers, where the last four teams will claim their places to represent Africa at the global tournament.
‎Third Round Fixtures Overview:
‎- Nigeria vs. Senegal
‎- Cameroon vs. Botswana
‎- Kenya vs. Tanzania
‎- Ghana vs. South Africa
‎- Uganda vs. Zambia
‎- Cote d’Ivoire vs. DR Congo
‎- Egypt vs. Benin
‎- Guinea-Bissau vs. Malawi
