Nigeria’s Falconets defeated Senegal 1-0 in the first leg of their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup third qualifying round tie in Abeokuta on Saturday.
Nigeria dominated the opening exchanges with Kafayat Mafisere having her goal bound effort blocked by Adama Diouf after four minutes.
Senegal grew into the game, and came close to scoring four minutes later through Aissatou Ndiaye, but was denied by a smart Christiana Uzoma’s save.
The Falconets created a couple of half chances through Shakirat Moshood, and Mafisere as they searched for the opening goal.
Moshood was particularly impressive on the left-wing causing problems for the Senegalese defence.
Senegal defender, Khady Thiandoume received the first booking of the game in the 20th minute for a rash tackle on Janet Akekoromowei.
Moshood had an effort saved by Adji Ndiaye three minutes after the half hour mark.
Forward Ramotalahi Kareem also wasted another chance three minutes later.
Nigeria lost Akekoromowei to a serious injury four minutes before the break.
Akekoromowei was replaced by Folajimi Olabiyi.
Read Also:U-20 WWCQ: Aduku To Unleash Akekoromowei, Moshood Against Free- Scoring Senegal
Chiamaka Ezekwugo cleared off the line to prevent Senegal from taking the lead late in the first half.
Falconets head coach, Moses Aduku made double substitutions after the break, with Favour Nkwocha and Chinanza Ifeanyi replacing Taiwo Afolabi and Kareem.
Ifeanyi scored the winning goal for the Falconets in the 50th minute with a superb header from Moshood’s corner.
Senegal head coach, Mbayang Thiam responded by making two substitutions.
Seynabou Mbengue took the place of Mariama Tasty, while Aissatou Sagna replaced Marie Sarr.
Ifeanyi missed a glorious chance to double Nigeria’s lead in the 63rd minute.
The striker was teed up by Moshood by failed to divert her shot on target.
The Bayelsa Queens striker missed another good chance two minutes later.
The impressive Moshood was replaced by Chisom Nwachukwu 13 minutes from time.
Nigeria failed to double their lead, and will head into the second leg with the slim advantage.
The return leg will hold in Dakar next week Saturday.
By Adeboye Amosu in Abeokuta
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Falconets Slay Senegal in Slim but Sumptuous Sweep
The Falconets, at home, had it tough-going against Senegal in the first leg of the World Cup qualifier this weekend.
Playing 4-3-3, Nigeria caused problems at the flanks but didn’t have enough bodies in the 18 yard box to capitalise.
Seconds after coming on as a sub, number 3 Kindness Ifeanyi tore the back of the net with a wicked header off a corner kick in 49 minutes.
1:0. There would be no more goals.
Before then, it was a slightly cagey affair as Senegal too had found joy down the flanks where their troublesome crosses troubled Nigeria at times.
Woman-mountain Janet, who held up play competently upfront, was forced off due to an unfortunate injury.
Nigeria’s passing routines were nice as was their adherence to formation discipline. There were pockets of individual brilliance from players like Shakirat Moshood, Ramota Kareem (before she was subbed), and Kindness Ifeanyi whose runs behind enemy lines and shots were a wet dream to me. Even homunculus midfielder Taiwo Afolabi was pulling strings with silky passes before she was hauled off.
The entire team looked dialled in and firmly focused on the task on hand. If I am asked to describe their play, I would say they play a lot on grass, working it to the flanks to deliver crosses. Their attacking midfield does a good job opening up space and creating opportunities whilst the wingbacks push high. All in all, they exhibit a discernible pattern, a definite identity, a defined structure.
The second leg will be a fight to finish as the Senegalese showed that they could hurt the Nigerians if Moses Adiku’s Harem should bite on the ampoules of complacency .
For now, well done to the Falconets.