Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, the Falconets, have arrived in Abeokuta to prepare for their crucial FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup third-round qualifying tie against Senegal’s Lionesses de Téranga, with the first leg set for Saturday at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex.
The move to Abeokuta follows approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after concerns over the pitch at the originally scheduled venue in Ibadan.
The Falconets arrived on Wednesday night, having earlier been in Ibadan to intensify their build-up for the weekend’s showdown.
Head coach Moses Aduku has been overseeing preparations for several weeks, with the squad focused on tactical organisation, physical readiness and team cohesion ahead of the must-win qualifier.
CAF approved Nigeria’s request to shift the first leg from Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, to the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta due to the poor condition of the playing surface at the original venue.
The first leg will kick off on Saturday, 7 February 2026, with the return fixture scheduled for 14 February in Senegal. The aggregate winner will move closer to qualification for the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland later this year.
Senegal’s Lionesses de Téranga have also reached Abeokuta, arriving via Lagos and beginning their own final preparations for the weekend encounter. CAF has appointed a refereeing team from Uganda and Burundi for the first leg.
Editorial
The Falconets’ arrival in Abeokuta marks the final stretch of their campaign for a place at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. After an emphatic aggregate win over Rwanda in the previous round, Nigeria will be eager to maintain momentum at home and build an advantage ahead of the return leg abroad.
The switch of venue underscores ongoing challenges with pitch quality at some Nigerian stadiums, but it also highlights the Nigeria Football Federation’s willingness to ensure the team competes under the best possible conditions. For the Falconets, securing a positive result in front of home supporters is essential to keep World Cup hopes alive.
Senegal will not be an easy opponent, yet the Nigerian side’s commitment and tactical discipline in preparation bode well for a competitive tie. Nigerian fans will be watching closely, hopeful that their young talents can take the next step on the global stage.
Did You Know?
- The Falconets are competing in the third round of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
- The first leg against Senegal will be played at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta on 7 February 2026.
- Nigeria advanced to this stage with a 5–0 aggregate win over Rwanda in the second round.
- The return leg of the qualifier is scheduled for 14 February in Thiès, Senegal.
- CAF appointed officials from Uganda and Burundi to referee the first-leg match.
