Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, the Falconets, secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Senegal on Saturday night to book their place in the final qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The win ensured a 3-1 aggregate triumph for the Nigerian side after last weekend’s narrow 1-0 success in the first leg.
The Falconets, officially known as the Nigeria women’s national under-20 football team, displayed composure and determination throughout the encounter. Coach Moses Aduku’s side came into the match with a slim advantage earned in Abeokuta and wasted no time asserting themselves.
Forward Kindness Ifeanyi, who scored the decisive goal in the first leg at Abeokuta, once again proved pivotal. She opened the scoring in the 18th minute, rising highest to power home a header from a well-delivered corner kick. The early goal settled Nigeria’s nerves and put Senegal on the back foot.
Despite Senegal’s efforts to respond, Nigeria maintained control for much of the contest. Their dominance paid off again in the 68th minute when Precious Oscar doubled the lead with another clinical finish from a set piece. The second goal effectively put the tie beyond reach, stretching Nigeria’s aggregate advantage to 3-0 at that stage.
Senegal managed to pull one back late in the game, but it proved too little, too late to alter the outcome. Nigeria comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to confirm their progression.
Attention now shifts to the final qualifying round, where the Falconets will face the Malawi women’s national under-20 football team. The winner over two legs will secure a coveted ticket to Poland 2026, with the tournament scheduled to take place in September.
With momentum on their side and confidence growing, the Falconets will be eager to complete the job and continue Nigeria’s proud tradition on the global stage.
