Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have been dealt a major injury setback with striker Janet Akekoromowei expected to be sidelined for up to eight weeks following a leg injury sustained in their World Cup qualifying opener against Senegal.
The loss comes at a crucial stage of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 qualifiers as Nigeria prepare for the second leg in Dakar this weekend.
Akekoromowei was forced off the field in the first half of Nigeria’s 1–0 win over Senegal in Abeokuta after suffering what has been described as a leg injury, with team medical staff confirming she will miss pending recovery.
The Falconets had taken a narrow lead through substitute Kindness Ifeanyi in the second half of the first leg, but the loss of their leading striker is a blow ahead of the return fixture in Senegal later this week.
Head coach Moses Aduku travelled with the squad to Dakar without Akekoromowei, instead placing confidence in the remaining attacking options and tactical adjustments for the decisive tie.
Despite the injury setback, Nigeria still carry a slender advantage into the second leg and will aim to secure progression to the final qualifying round of the African series for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
Editorial
The Falconets stand at an important crossroads with Janet Akekoromowei’s injury altering Nigeria’s dynamics ahead of a pivotal qualifying clash. Akekoromowei has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most promising attacking talents, and her absence for up to eight weeks places additional pressure on coach Moses Aduku to extract goals from elsewhere.
Kindness Ifeanyi’s decisive contribution in the first leg showed Nigeria’s depth in attack, but the rhythm and finishing that Akekoromowei brings will be difficult to replicate immediately. In high-stakes qualifiers, injuries like this test squad depth and tactical flexibility. Nigerian supporters will be hoping the rest of the team can rise to the occasion in Dakar and beyond.
From a broader perspective, this injury highlights how crucial fitness and squad planning are in youth tournaments. The Falconets have long been seen as a breeding ground for Nigeria’s future stars, and maintaining momentum despite setbacks is a hallmark of lasting success at global events.
Did You Know?
- Janet Akekoromowei suffered her injury in Nigeria’s 1–0 World Cup qualifier win over Senegal in Abeokuta.
- Kindness Ifeanyi scored Nigeria’s only goal in the first leg against Senegal.
- Coach Moses Aduku has expressed confidence the Falconets can overcome Senegal despite Akekoromowei’s absence.
- The second leg of the tie is scheduled to be played in Dakar, Senegal this weekend.
- The winner will progress to the final round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
