Nigeria’s U20 women national team, the Falconets, have arrived in Senegal ahead of their decisive FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup African third round second leg qualifier scheduled for Saturday.
The team touched down in Dakar on Wednesday as preparations intensified for the return fixture, which will be played at the Stade Lat Dior in Thies, about 70 kilometres from the Senegalese capital. Nigeria hold a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first leg played in Abeokuta, leaving the tie finely poised with a place in the final qualifying round at stake.
The Falconets will be without key forward Janet Akekoromowei, who sustained an injury in the first half of the first leg encounter and has been ruled out of the trip. Her absence is a setback for the team’s attacking options, but head coach Moses Aduku remains confident of securing 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 difficult first half, adjusting tactics and showing character in the second half,” he said.
Aduku noted that his side created several opportunities after the break in the first leg and could have extended their lead. He emphasised the need for defensive discipline and clinical finishing in the return leg.
“In Senegal, we must defend resolutely and attack with purpose. We will play with focus and determination,” Aduku added.
The Confederation of African Football has appointed a Moroccan officiating team for the match. Zakia El Grini will serve as referee, assisted by Karima Khadiri and Ihsane Ennouajeli Nouajli, while Zoulaikha Harmasse has been named fourth official. Mauritania’s Oumou Souleymane Kane will act as match commissioner, with Kenya’s Alice Kimani serving as referee assessor.
Kick off is set for 5pm local time, which is 6pm in Nigeria. The aggregate winner over the two legs will advance to the final round of the African qualifiers for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup scheduled to take place in Poland in September.
