Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, the Falconets, secured a narrow 1–0 victory against Senegal in the first leg of their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup third round qualifier in Abeokuta on Saturday. The win gives Nigeria a valuable but slender advantage heading into the second leg in Dakar.
Substitute Chinaza Kindness scored the decisive goal early in the second half, heading home from a corner to separate the sides in a tightly contested encounter at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex.
The first half saw few clear openings, with both teams feeling each other out and Senegal defending resolutely. Nigeria created several chances but were unable to break the deadlock before halftime.
Early in the second half, substitute Kindness rose highest to convert a well placed corner delivery with a powerful header in the 50th minute. The Falconets continued to press for a second goal, but Senegal’s defence, and a lively performance from the visiting goalkeeper, kept the scoreline intact.
Nigeria suffered a minor setback when leading striker Janet Akekoromowei was forced off through injury during the first period, but the team held firm to maintain their lead and protect the clean sheet.
The return leg is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 14 February, in Dakar. Nigeria will aim to defend their slim advantage in Senegalese territory as they chase qualification to the final round of African qualifying for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland later this year.
Editorial
The Falconets’ narrow first leg victory over Senegal is a solid start in what promises to be a tense qualifying tie. Nigeria’s ability to create consistent pressure and convert a set piece opportunity proved decisive, but the slim margin means there is still everything to play for in the second leg.
A tight first leg like this places emphasis on defensive discipline and game management in Dakar. Senegal showed resilience and tactical organisation and will be determined to overturn the deficit at home. Balancing attacking urgency with defensive caution will be crucial for Nigeria in the return fixture.
For Nigerian fans, this result reflects the continued strength of youth women’s football in the country. Securing any lead in away or neutral conditions is valuable in two leg qualifiers, and now the focus turns to maintaining composure and building on this performance on Senegalese soil.
Did You Know?
- Chinaza Kindness scored the only goal of the match with a headed finish early in the second half.
- The Falconets played the first leg at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
- Nigeria’s leading striker Janet Akekoromowei was forced off with an injury in the first half.
- The return leg of the tie is scheduled for Saturday, 14 February, in Dakar, Senegal.
- The Falconets remain one of Africa’s most consistent teams, having participated in every edition of the U-20 Women’s World Cup.
