Falconets head coach Moses Aduku has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s U20 women’s team will secure qualification despite the absence of key forward Janet Akekoromowei ahead of Saturday’s second-leg clash against Senegal.
Akekoromowei picked up an injury during the first half of last weekend’s encounter in Abeokuta and has been ruled out of the trip to Dakar, dealing a blow to the team’s attacking options.
However, Aduku remains optimistic that the team has what it takes to overcome the hosts after reviewing the first leg and identifying areas for improvement.
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 difficult first half, adjusting tactics and showing character in the second half,” he said.
The coach noted that the Falconets created several chances after the break and could have extended their advantage, but stressed the importance of discipline in the return leg.
In Senegal, we must defend resolutely and attack with purpose. We will play with focus and determination,” Aduku added.
The decisive fixture will take place at Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal’s third-largest city located about 70 kilometres from Dakar.
Nigeria hold a slender advantage going into the return leg after securing a 1-0 victory in the first leg played in Abeokuta, setting up a finely balanced contest with a place in the final qualifying round at stake.
The Confederation of African Football has selected a Moroccan officiating crew for the encounter, with Zakia El Grini serving as referee. She will be assisted by Karima Khadiri and Ihsane Ennouajeli Nouajli, while Zoulaikha Harmasse will act as the fourth official. Mauritania’s Oumou Souleymane Kane has been named match commissioner, and Kenya’s Alice Kimani will serve as referee assessor.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5pm local time (6pm Nigeria time), with the aggregate winner advancing to the final round of the African qualifiers for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup set to hold in Poland this September.
