Falconets Ready for Senegal Test in FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers

Nigeria’s U20 women’s team, the Falconets, have expressed strong confidence as they prepare to face Senegal in the third round of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

At Friday’s pre-match press conference, Head Coach Moses Aduku and captain Joy Igbokwe emphasized the team’s readiness, mindset, and fitness ahead of Saturday’s first-leg encounter in Abeokuta.

Coach Aduku revealed that the squad has undergone intensive training and remains fully focused on the task at hand.

‘The players are fit, focused, and ready. We have worked very hard in camp, and we approach every match with the seriousness of a final to maintain the right mentality and match sharpness,’ he said.

Captain Igbokwe echoed her coach’s confidence, stressing that the team is united and determined to deliver a strong performance at home before carrying the same commitment into the return leg in Dakar on February 14.

Providing updates on player fitness, Aduku confirmed that two players recovering from minor knocks have resumed limited training, while another has fully recovered from illness.

He also appealed to Nigerian fans to turn out in large numbers, noting that strong home support can boost the team’s confidence and performance.

‘The support of our fans will be very important to us, especially playing at home. It gives the players extra confidence and motivation,’ he added.

Saturday’s clash will take place at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, with the decisive second leg scheduled for Dakar.