Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, are unfazed by challenges as they prepare to face Senegal in a decisive FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 third-round, second-leg qualifier in Thies on Saturday.
Head Coach Moses Aduku has expressed strong confidence that his team knows exactly what is required to overcome the hosts, even in the absence of injured top striker Janet Akekoromowei.
Akekoromowei sustained an injury during the first half of last Saturday’s first leg in Abeokuta and was forced off. As a result, she has been ruled out of the squad travelling to Dakar on Wednesday.
However, Aduku insists her absence will not derail the Falconets’ mission.
“We will overcome because we have reviewed the match and taken a lot of lessons on board,” the coach said
Nigeria secured a 1–0 victory in the first leg, but the coach believes the margin should have been wider.
“We could have won by more goals because we created a number of opportunities in that second period,” he added.
With Senegal expected to press hard on home soil, Aduku emphasized the importance of tactical discipline and mental focus.
“In Senegal, we must defend resolutely and attack with purpose. We will play with focus and determination.”
The Falconets know that protecting their slim advantage while remaining dangerous going forward will be key to sealing qualification.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named officials from Morocco to oversee the encounter at Stade Lat Dior, Thies, Senegal’s third-largest city, located about 70 kilometres from Dakar.
Referee: Zakia El Grini
Assistants: Karima Khadiri (AR1), Ihsane Ennouajeli Nouajli (AR2)
Fourth Official: Zoulaikha Harmasse
Match Commissioner: Oumou Souleymane Kane (Mauritania)
Referee Assessor: Alice Kimani (Kenya)
Kick-off is scheduled for 5pm Senegal time (6pm Nigeria time).
The winner on aggregate will advance to the final round of the African qualifiers, moving one step closer to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland this September.
For the Falconets, it is a test of depth, mentality, and ambition and Coach Aduku believes his players are ready to pass it.
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