Falconets Overpower Senegal, Set Up World Cup Decider Against Malawi

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have advanced to the final round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Senegal on Saturday evening.

The win in Diamniadio sealed a 3-1 aggregate triumph for the two-time World Cup silver medalists, who had edged the Senegalese 1-0 in the first leg in Abeokuta a week prior.

Much like the first leg, the Falconets capitalized on set-pieces to unlock the Senegalese defense. The breakthrough came early in the 19th minute when Kindness Ifeanyi rose highest to head home a corner kick, mirroring her decisive goal from the reverse fixture.

The goal silenced the home crowd at the Annexe Stade Abdoulaye Wade and put Nigeria firmly in control.

In the second half, the Falconets doubled their advantage through Precious Oscar. In the 69th minute, Oscar connected with another delivery from defender Tumininu Adeshina, who provided the assist for the first goal as well to make it 2-0.

Although Senegal managed to pull one back through Sokhna N.T. Pene in the 76th minute, it proved to be a mere consolation as the Nigerian defense held firm to secure the aggregate victory.

With Senegal dispatched, the Falconets now turn their attention to Malawi in the final hurdle before the global showpiece.

Malawi booked their spot in the decisive round after edging out Guinea-Bissau in their own fixture.

The final qualification round is scheduled for May, where the winners will grab one of the four tickets available to represent Africa at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland later this year.