Falconets Defeat Senegal, Set Up Malawi Clash in World Cup Qualifiers

Nigeria’s U20 women’s team, the Falconets, advanced to the final round of African qualification for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup after defeating Senegal 2-1 on Saturday evening.

The two-time World Cup silver medalists secured a 3-1 aggregate victory thanks to goals from Kindness Ifeanyi and Precious Oscar.

Ifeanyi opened the scoring in the 19th minute, heading home from a corner kick delivered by defender Tumininu Adeshina, a near replica of her decisive goal in the first leg in Abeokuta.

Oscar doubled Nigeria’s lead in the second half, also converting from an Adeshina corner.

Senegal pulled one back with 15 minutes left, but it proved only a consolation as the Falconets held firm to book their place in the final round.

Nigeria will now face Malawi, who edged Guinea Bissau in their own tie, for a ticket to the World Cup in Poland this September. Africa will present four teams at the global tournament, and the Falconets remain firmly in contention to secure one of those coveted spots.