Nigeria One Step Closer to U20 Women’s World Cup After Senegal Slim Win

Nigeria One Step Closer to U20 Women’s World Cup After Senegal Slim Win

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team, the Falconets, secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Senegal in the first leg of their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying tie at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The opening half ended goalless, with the Senegalese side putting up a disciplined defensive display to frustrate the Falconets, who dominated possession but were unable to convert their chances before the break.

Nigeria eventually broke the deadlock in the 50th minute when Kindness Ifeanyi struck the decisive goal, rewarding the hosts’ improved intensity and pressure in the second half.

The hard-fought win gives the Falconets a slim advantage heading into the return leg, which is scheduled for February 14, 2026, in Senegal.

The winner of the Nigeria–Senegal tie will advance to the final round of the African qualifying series, where they will face either Guinea-Bissau or Malawi for one of Africa’s four qualification slots at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.

The 12th edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup will be hosted by Poland from September 5 to September 27.