Falconets’ World Cup Qualifier Relocated Over Bad Pitch
By TAYO TAIWO (T. T.) OLUWOLE
CAF Okays Abeokuta Venue for Falconets–Senegal Clash Over Pitch Concerns
THE Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) request to relocate the Falconets’ 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Senegal due to pitch concerns.
Originally scheduled to hold at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, the third-round, first-leg fixture will now take place at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta on Saturday 7 February 2026.
NFF Head of Competitions, Ruth David, confirmed that the move was necessitated by the deteriorating condition of the Ibadan pitch, which no longer met the required standard for an international fixture.
She explained that although the stadium had earlier been approved by CAF, subsequent assessments showed that the playing surface had worsened.
“The condition of the turf declined, making it unsuitable for a match of this magnitude,” David said.
The Falconets are expected to shift their camp to Abeokuta ahead of the encounter to allow time to adjust to the pitch and surroundings.
Nigeria booked a place in the third round of the qualifiers after a commanding 5–0 aggregate win over Rwanda in the previous round, reaffirming their pedigree in African women’s youth football.
As two-time silver medallists at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, the Falconets are aiming to secure another appearance on the global stage.
The winner of the Nigeria–Senegal tie will move on to the final qualifying round, where either Guinea-Bissau or Malawi awaits.
With the MKO Abiola Sports Complex boasting a better playing surface and recent experience hosting national team fixtures, the NFF believes the new venue will ensure a smoother and safer contest.
