Falconets Intensify Build-Up For Senegal Showdown
By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI
Falconets Step Up Preparations for Crucial Senegal Qualifier
NIGERIA’S U20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have intensified preparations ahead of their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying clash against Senegal, with Head Coach Moses Aduku expressing satisfaction with the team’s progress.
Speaking after recent training sessions, Aduku praised the commitment and discipline shown by the players, noting that the camp has been productive in terms of tactical organisation, team chemistry, and match strategy. According to him, all invited players have responded positively to the technical demands of the camp.
The Falconets, two-time FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup silver medallists, will host the first leg of the qualifier at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, on Saturday 7 February, before travelling to Dakar for the return leg on 14 February.
Aduku stressed the importance of securing a favourable result in the home fixture, describing it as key to easing pressure ahead of the second leg. He explained that friendly matches played during the camp have helped the coaching crew fine-tune the team’s attacking patterns while ensuring defensive solidity.
The coach described the performances in those games as encouraging, adding that the players have shown strong mentality and adaptability.
Nigeria will relocate to Ibadan on 27 January to continue preparations ahead of the first leg. While Aduku declined to make bold predictions, he expressed confidence in the quality of the squad and their determination to make the country proud.
The winner of the two-legged tie will advance to the final qualifying round, where they will face either Guinea Bissau or Malawi for one of Africa’s four slots at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, scheduled for Poland from 5 to 27 September 2026.
