Head Coach Moses Aduku has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s U20 girls, the Falconets, will overcome Senegal in Saturday’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup third round, second leg tie in Thies.
The Falconets will be without leading striker Janet Akekoromowei, who sustained an injury in the first half of last weekend’s first leg in Abeokuta. The forward was withdrawn during the match and has not travelled with the squad to Dakar.
Despite her absence, Aduku believes his side has what it takes to secure qualification.
“We will overcome because we have reviewed the match and taken a lot of lessons on board. I commend the girls for regrouping after a tough first half, adjusting tactics and showing character in the second half. We could have won by more goals because we created a number of opportunities in that second period.
“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 for the encounter 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, while Zoulaikha Harmasse will act as fourth official. Mauritania’s Oumou Souleymane Kane will be the match commissioner and Kenya’s Alice Kimani will serve as referee assessor.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 5pm Senegal time, which is 6pm Nigeria time on Saturday. The winner on aggregate will advance to the final round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, set to take place in September.
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