Nigeria U20 women’s national team, the Falconets, defeated Senegal 1–0 at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta on Saturday to take a narrow first-leg lead in their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup third-round qualifier, www.aclsports.com reports.
Kindness Ifeanyi scored the only goal of the match in the 50th minute, heading home from Tumininu Adeshina’s corner just a minute after coming on as a substitute. The strike handed head coach Moses Aduku a slender lead, despite the absence of injured top striker Janet Akekoromowei Seimeyeha.
The first half was evenly contested, with Senegal creating early chances but failing to convert inside the Nigerian box. Nigeria’s attack, led by Seimeyeha, Shakirat Moshood and Taiwo Afolabi, also struggled to find a breakthrough. In the 12th minute, Moshood beat two defenders before seeing her cross blocked, while Senegal’s Sokhna Nogaye had her effort denied by goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma.
The half ended goalless, with Nigeria forced into an early change after Seimeyeha was stretchered off due to injury.
In the second half, the Falconets stepped up the pressure. Moshood and Adeshina both went close, with Adeshina striking the crossbar in the 76th minute. Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye produced a series of important saves to keep her side in the contest.
The return leg will be played at Stade Lat-Dior in Thiès, Senegal, on Saturday, 14 February, with the Falconets looking to consolidate their advantage and secure qualification. The winner of the tie will face the winner of Guinea-Bissau vs Malawi in the final round of African qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
