Falconets Arrive in Senegal for Crucial World Cup Qualifier Second Leg

Falconets Arrive in Senegal for Crucial World Cup Qualifier Second Leg

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, arrived in Senegal on Wednesday ahead of Saturday’s decisive second-leg clash in the third round of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup African qualifiers, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The return fixture will take place at the Stade Lat Dior in Thies, approximately 70 kilometres from the Senegalese capital, Dakar. The Falconets travel with a narrow advantage following their 1-0 victory in the first leg in Abeokuta last weekend.

In the initial encounter at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, both sides displayed resilience and tactical discipline, but were unable to break the deadlock before halftime.

The breakthrough came five minutes into the second half when substitute Kindness Ifeanyi headed home from a corner kick in the 50th minute. The goal proved decisive in a tightly contested match.

Ifeanyi nearly doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 66th minute, but the Senegalese goalkeeper produced a full-stretch save to deny her a second. The Falconets then relied on disciplined defending and controlled possession to preserve their advantage, with head coach Moses Aduku’s tactical adjustments in the second half helping to maintain momentum.

Nigeria were dealt a setback in the first half when striker Janet Akekoromowei was forced off through injury. However, Ifeanyi’s influential performance earned her the Player of the Match award.

With the tie delicately poised, the Falconets will aim to consolidate their slender lead in Senegal and secure passage to the next stage of the qualification campaign.