Nigeria Falconets defeated Senegal 2–1 at the Annexe du Stade Abdoulaye Wade to advance to the final round of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, www.aclsports.com reports.
The victory sealed a 3–1 aggregate success for the two-time World Cup silver medallists, who had secured a 1–0 first-leg win in Abeokuta.
Nigeria started brightly and created early chances, striking the crossbar three times in the opening exchanges. Their pressure paid off in the 19th minute when Favour Chiamaka Nkwocha swung in a corner and Kindness Ifeanyi rose highest to head home, just as she did in the first leg.
The Falconets continued to dominate and nearly doubled their lead moments later. Folajomi Alabi chased a long ball over the top, but her left-footed effort was punched clear by Senegal goalkeeper Adjie Ndiaye.
Senegal believed they had equalised in the 37th minute from a corner, but the goal was ruled out for offside as Nigeria went into the break leading 1–0 (2–0 on aggregate).
Nigeria extended their advantage in the 69th minute, again from a set piece. Tumininu Adeshina delivered a precise corner into the area and Precious Oscar timed her run perfectly to head home, making it 2–0 on the day and 3–0 on aggregate.
The hosts pulled one back in the 76th minute through Sokhna Nogaye Pene, who produced a stunning 35-yard strike after shrugging off her marker. However, the Falconets remained composed in the closing stages to secure progression.
Nigeria will face Malawi in the fourth and final round as they continue their push for one of Africa’s four qualification spots at the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
Malawi advanced after a commanding 5–1 victory in the return leg, progressing 6–2 on aggregate.
Elsewhere, Tanzania edged Kenya 3–1 on penalties after a 1–1 aggregate draw. Uganda sealed a 2–1 aggregate victory over Zambia with a 1–0 win, while Ghana advanced 3–2 on aggregate against South Africa.
Benin completed a 5–0 aggregate triumph over Egypt following a 4–0 second-leg victory, while Cameroon progressed 5–1 on aggregate despite a 1–0 defeat to Botswana.
In the decisive ties, Cameroon will face Tanzania, Ghana take on Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire meet Benin, and Nigeria battle Malawi for a place in Poland.
