Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have landed in Senegal ahead of their decisive third round, second-leg clash in the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
With a narrow first-leg advantage secured in Abeokuta, the Nigerian girls now turn their focus to sealing qualification on Senegalese soil this Saturday as the #SoarFalconets campaign gathers momentum on the #RoadToPoland.
Slim Advantage, Serious Warning
Falconets head coach Moses Aduku has described the first-leg victory as a timely reminder that the job is far from done.
After edging Senegal by a lone goal at home, Aduku admitted his side could and should have done more in front of goal.
The coach explained that the performance will be carefully reviewed as the team prepares for what he calls the “next battle.”
“I want to thank God because we got in one room, and we won, I think. We’re taking the fight to them now, and immediately we leave here.”
“We’re going back to the training court to see.”
Aduku made it clear that complacency will not be tolerated, as his players return to the training pitch to correct lapses observed in the first encounter.
“What we need to correct is we need to do everything to face the next battle, which is Israel.”
“But I know we will not disappoint. Not at all, we’re not going to be defensive.”
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Attack-Minded Approach in Dakar
Rather than sit back and protect their slim advantage, Aduku has vowed that the Falconets will go on the offensive in Senegal, and spoke on the importance of scoring first while maintaining defensive discipline.
“We’re trying to get scored first. Try to work on scoring first, but not undermining our defense, but tightening our defense.”
The tactician reiterated that adopting a defensive approach could prove costly against a motivated Senegalese side on home turf.
“We’re going to try to score first. We’re not going defensive. It will be dangerous for us.”
The Falconets, one of Africa’s most successful youth sides, understand the magnitude of the task ahead.
With Poland 2026 firmly in sight, Nigeria will need composure, clinical finishing, and defensive solidity to navigate what promises to be a tense and high-stakes encounter.
Having arrived safely in Senegal, preparations will now intensify as Aduku’s squad seeks to finish the job and keep Nigeria’s proud record in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup intact.
Saturday’s qualifier is a test of ambition, and if Aduku’s words are anything to go by, the Falconets are ready to soar.
