The Nigeria U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, secured a vital 2–1 away win over Senegal in the second leg of their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying tie in Dakar on Saturday. The victory gave Nigeria a 3–1 aggregate win and booked their place in the final qualifying round, where they will face Malawi for a chance to reach the global tournament in Poland.
Nigeria struck first in the 18th minute when Kindness Ifeanyi rose highest to head in from a corner, giving the visitors the lead on the night and stretching their overall advantage.
In the second half, Precious Oscar doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 68th minute, again heading home from a well delivered set piece.
Senegal pulled one back in the 76th minute, but their late goal proved only a consolation as the Falconets maintained control to secure qualification.
Nigeria now turn their focus to Malawi, who progressed after beating Guinea-Bissau, with the winner on aggregate over two legs to earn one of Africa’s four spots at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup later this year.
Editorial
The Falconets’ performance in Dakar displayed resilience and composure, especially in hostile away conditions. Scoring early through Kindness Ifeanyi set the tone and allowed Nigeria to control much of the game. Despite Senegal’s attempt to rally, the Falcons stood firm illustrating the depth and quality that have long defined Nigeria’s youth women’s teams.
Precious Oscar’s goal underscored the importance of aerial strength from set-pieces, an aspect that has served Nigeria well throughout qualifiers. At this stage of competition, such tactical advantages often make the difference. With the final qualifying round against Malawi looming, the Falcons will need to maintain their defensive organisation and goal scoring threat to secure a place on the world stage in Poland later this year.
For Nigerian football fans, this result reaffirms the country’s strong tradition in women’s youth football. Consistent progress to the latter stages of global qualifiers highlights the investment and talent in the system and positions the Falconets well as they chase a return to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Did You Know?
- The Falconets won the tie 3–1 on aggregate after a 1–0 first-leg win in Abeokuta.
- Kindness Ifeanyi opened the scoring in Senegal with a header from a corner in the 18th minute.
- Precious Oscar doubled Nigeria’s lead with another header from a set-piece in the second half.
- Senegal’s goal in the 76th minute was a late consolation in the match.
- The Falconets will face Malawi in the final qualifying round for a spot at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
