U20WWC Qualifier: Nigeria Is More Mature Than Us – Senegal Coach Admits

U20WWC Qualifier: Nigeria Is More Mature Than Us – Senegal Coach Admits

Sampson Adedeji

The head coach of Senegal’s U-20 women’s team, Mbayang Thiam, has admitted that Nigeria’s Falconets showed greater maturity over the two legs of their clash in the ongoing qualifiers, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking after the encounter, Thiam acknowledged the quality and experience of the Nigerian side, noting that her team had anticipated a difficult challenge.

“It’s true, it wasn’t easy. We even expected that. 

The Nigerian team isn’t a weak team. They’re a team used to competitions, both at the youth and senior levels,” she said.

One of the decisive factors in the tie was Senegal’s vulnerability from set pieces, as they conceded three goals from dead-ball situations across both legs.

“We conceded three goals from set pieces. You could say there’s a problem with those. We worked on that a lot after returning from Nigeria. 

After the first goal, the girls were a bit down. That’s sometimes understandable, but we’ll correct it and keep working,” Thiam explained.

Beyond tactical deficiencies, the Senegalese coach pointed to experience and composure as the major differences between both sides.

“Physically, the girls really gave it their all. But the Nigerian team is more mature,” she added.

Despite the disappointment, Thiam expressed optimism that the painful exit would serve as a foundation for growth and development.

“The girls cried because they know it was within their grasp. 

"It was possible. But the Nigerian team is perhaps more prepared than we are. That’s sport. You have to take steps to gain experience and maturity.

 We’ll turn these regrets into something else so the girls don’t cry at the end of a match.”

Nigeria progressed to the next round of the qualifiers, reinforcing their pedigree at youth level as they continue their push for a place at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.