Aduku Confident Falconets Will Overcome Senegal in Thies
Head Coach Moses Aduku has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s U20 women’s team, the Falconets, will overcome hosts Senegal in Saturday’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup third round, second leg clash in Thies, despite the absence of star striker Janet Akekoromowei.
Akekoromowei, who was injured in the first half of last weekend’s first leg in Abeokuta, has been ruled out of the squad traveling to Dakar.
Aduku, however, insists the team has learned valuable lessons from the opening encounter and will be better prepared for the decisive tie.
‘We will overcome because we have reviewed the match and taken a lot of lessons on board,’ Aduku said.
‘I commend the girls for regrouping after a tough first half, adjusting tactics and showing character in the second half. In Senegal, we must defend resolutely and attack with purpose. We will play with focus and determination.’
The Confederation of African Football has appointed Moroccan officials to handle the match at Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal’s third largest city, located 70 kilometres from Dakar.
Zakia El Grini will serve as referee, assisted by Karima Khadiri and Ihsane Ennouajeli Nouajli, with Zoulaikha Harmasse as fourth official. Mauritania’s Oumou Souleymane Kane will act as commissioner, while Kenyan Alice Kimani has been named referee assessor.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5pm local time (6pm Nigeria time). The aggregate winner will advance to the final round of African qualifiers for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, set to take place in Poland in September.
