Nigeria’s U20 women’s team, the Falconets secured a 1-0 victory over Senegal in a tense first-leg encounter of their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup third-round qualifier at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, on Saturday, Bold Sports reports.
Head coach Moses Aduku named a strong starting lineup as the Falconets took control of possession early on, but they found it difficult to break down a disciplined Senegalese defence. The Lionesses of Teranga stayed compact and organised, limiting Nigeria to half chances in a largely cagey first half.
Nigeria’s challenges were compounded just before the break when star forward Janet Akekoromowei was stretchered off after sustaining an injury, dealing a significant blow to the Falconets’ attacking options heading into the second half.
Despite the setback, the Falconets emerged with renewed purpose after the restart and found the breakthrough minutes into the second half. Chinaza Kindness rose highest in the box to power a header into the back of the net, handing Nigeria a crucial lead.
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Senegal pushed for an equaliser as the match wore on, but the Falconets showed composure and defensive discipline to protect their advantage. Aduku’s side stayed compact at the back, denying the visitors clear chances and seeing out the contest to claim a hard-fought victory.
The narrow win gives Nigeria a slim but valuable advantage heading into the return leg, which is scheduled for Saturday, 14 February, at the Stade Lat-Dior in Thiès, Senegal, where the Falconets will look to finish the job and book their place in the next round.
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