U-20 WORLD CUP: Coach Aduku Unveils Falconets Squad for WC Qualifiers Against Senegal 

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have stepped up preparations for their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying double-header against Senegal, with head coach Moses Aduku unveiling a 26-player squad dominated by domestic league talents.

This follows CAF’s approval to a request by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to change the venue of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup third-round qualifying first-leg clash against Senegal.

The highly anticipated encounter, scheduled for Saturday, 7 February 2026, will now take place at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, instead of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.

Why the WC Qualifiers Match Venue Was Moved

Confirming the development, NFF Director of Competitions Ruth David explained that the decision was taken due to concerns over the playing surface in Ibadan.

According to her, the federation requested the venue change “as a result of the deteriorating state of the playing pitch of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan,” which had initially been approved for the fixture.

The Lekan Salami Stadium had previously hosted the Falconets’ second-round, second-leg qualifier against Rwanda in September last year.

Falconets to Relocate to Abeokuta

Following CAF’s approval, the two-time FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup silver medallists are expected to relocate from Ibadan to Abeokuta in the coming days.

The move will allow the team to “familiarize themselves with the turf of the MKO Abiola Sports Complex” ahead of the crucial first leg against Senegal.

Nigeria booked their place in the third round after a dominant 5–0 aggregate victory over Rwanda.

Falconets Named for Senegal U-20 World Cup Qualifiers Test

Bayelsa Queens forward Janet Akekoromowei and Nasarawa Amazons midfielder Joy Igbokwe headline the list released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), alongside several Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) regulars.

Also included is Shakirat Abidemi Moshood, one of a number of players promoted from the national U-17 side, reflecting continuity in Nigeria’s women’s youth development pipeline.

The Falconets will host Senegal in the first leg on Saturday, 7 February, at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00.

The return fixture will take place a week later, on Saturday, 14 February, at the Stade Lat-Dior in Thiès, Senegal.

Originally billed for Ibadan, the first-leg encounter was moved to Abeokuta, where the team has now settled.

The Falconets arrived in the Ogun State capital on Tuesday morning and fine-tuned preparations with a 2–1 friendly victory over FC Robo Queens. a match that allowed Aduku to assess combinations and match fitness ahead of the qualifiers.

The selected squad features a balanced mix of experience and youth across all departments.

Road to Poland 2026 Takes Shape

The winner of the Nigeria–Senegal tie will advance to the final round of African qualification, where they will face the winner of Guinea-Bissau vs Malawi for a place at the tournament.

Africa has four slots at the finals, which will be staged in Poland from 5–27 September 2026.

Aduku Pleased With Preparation; Focused on First-Leg Advantage

Head Coach Moses Aduku is satisfied with the team’s progress in camp as preparations intensify for the Senegal test.

“The past weeks spent in camp have been productive, with all invited players fully present and responding positively to training,” Aduku said.

He revealed that the technical crew has focused on tactical organization, team cohesion, and overall strategy, while praising the players’ attitude.

“The players have demonstrated commitment, discipline, and intensity throughout preparations,” he added.

Aduku stressed the importance of making home advantage count in the first leg.

“Our attention remains firmly on the upcoming qualifier, especially the need to secure a strong result in the first leg on home soil,” he said.

Friendly matches, according to the coach, have played a key role in refining the team’s approach.

“They have been vital in assessing and refining the team’s system of play, with focus on strengthening attacking play while maintaining defensive balance.”

“Performances so far have been encouraging.”

Falconets Edge FC Robo in Friendly

As part of their build-up, the Falconets recorded a 2–1 victory over NWFL side FC Robo in a friendly match played in Ibadan.

Reacting after the game, Aduku highlighted both positives and areas for improvement.

“So far, so good. We won the game, but there are still little adjustments to be made in the team ahead of Saturday’s game against the Senegalese,” he said.

He was particularly impressed by the team’s mentality and remains confident in his squad.

“The fighting spirit was a big positive. The way the girls responded to score the winning goal was very encouraging.”

“It showed character, resilience, and the determination not to relent in our quest to qualify.”

“I believe in the quality and mentality of these players,” he said, citing their competitive displays in recent friendly matches.

The coach concluded by re-affirming the Falconets’ determination “to make the nation proud and secure qualification.”