Falconets skipper Joy Igbokwe has expressed unwavering confidence that Nigeria will overcome Senegal in their crucial FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier, insisting the team’s ambition to reach Poland 2026 cannot be halted by their West African rivals. Igbokwe spoke ahead of Saturday’s first-leg match in Abeokuta.
Speaking to Completesports.com, the Nasarawa Amazons midfielder stressed that hard work and support from fans will drive the Falconets forward as they look to take a decisive advantage in the two-leg tie.
Nigeria will host Senegal in the opening leg of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup third round qualifier at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta on Saturday, with the return fixture set for 14 February in Dakar.
Igbokwe, who leads the Falconets on and off the pitch, highlighted the team’s focus on qualifying for another World Cup after a convincing 5–0 aggregate win over Rwanda in the previous round of qualifying.
“It’s our ambition to qualify for the World Cup again, and I don’t see the Senegalese stopping us, even though we are not going to underrate them,” she told Completesports.com, adding that the team values its fans’ backing and hopes for another strong home turnout.
The Falconets have been in camp ahead of the weekend’s showdown, with head coach Moses Aduku naming his squad earlier in the week to prepare for the challenging encounter.
With the venue change to Abeokuta approved by FIFA and CAF due to pitch concerns in Ibadan, the Nigerian side will look to use home support to its advantage as it seeks to secure a strong first-leg result.
Editorial
Joy Igbokwe’s rallying words reflect the confidence and hunger within the Falconets camp as they prepare to face Senegal in a pivotal World Cup qualifier. Nigeria’s youth teams have a proud record on the global stage, and this belief is rooted in experience, preparation and the quality available in the squad.
The relocation of the home leg to Abeokuta a decision backed by CAF and the NFF, provides the Falconets with a platform to perform in favourable conditions and in front of passionate fans. While Senegal will be no pushovers, the Nigerian side’s blend of technical skill and mental resilience could prove decisive over two legs.
For Nigerian football supporters, results in qualifiers like this go beyond just a place in the tournament; they signify the continuing development of women’s football in the country and the rising generation of talent ready to make its mark internationally.
Did You Know?
- The Falconets are preparing to host Senegal in the first leg of their U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier on 7 February 2026 at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta.
- Nigeria advanced to this stage after a 5–0 aggregate victory over Rwanda in the second round.
- Joy Igbokwe plays for Nasarawa Amazons in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) and captains the Falconets.
- The return leg of this qualifying tie is scheduled for 14 February 2026 in Dakar, Senegal.
- The winner on aggregate will progress to the final round of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
