7.2.2026
Nigeria’s Falconets need to win or draw in seven days time if they hope to qualify for the 2026 FIFA U20 World Cup billed for Poland.
This was after they beat Senegal 1-0 at the Moshood Abiola Stadium Saturday in Abeokuta.
Kindness Ifeanyi was kind enough to head in the only goal of the encounter in the 51st minute in a game the Falconets dominated but were goal shy with many begging chances.
Nigeria’s top striker Janet Akokoromowei was forced off the encounter in the first period by injury, but Shakirat Moshood and Taiwo Afolabi initiated a number of telling moves that could have resulted in more goals for the two-time World Cup silver medallists.
The Falconets recorded their first incursion into the opponents’ goal area in the 12th minute, when Moshood weaved past two defenders, but her cross was blocked and then cleared by the Senegalese defence.
The visitors responded eight minutes later through Sokhna Nogaye, who capitalised on a brief communication lapse among the Nigerian defenders. However, goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma reacted swiftly to deny her effort. The game’s first booking came in the 25th minute, as Khady Thiandoume was shown a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Akekoromowei.
Nigeria finally broke the deadlock six minutes after the restart when Ifeanyi rose highest to head home a well-taken corner kick, giving the Falconets the lead. She came close to doubling the advantage in the 66th minute, but Ndiaye stretched full length to push her effort away.
Both teams will clash in Dakar on Saturday with the winner to advance to the final round of the qualification series.
The Falconets have qualified for every edition of the tournament and for the first time they face the danger of missing out.
