Aduku confident as Falconets prepare for Senegal World Cup qualifier
Head Coach of Nigeria’s U-20 Women’s team, the Falconets, Moses Aduku, has expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress as the two-time FIFA World Cup silver medallists continue preparations for the third-round FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against Senegal.
The past weeks in camp have been productive, with all invited players present and responding positively to training. The technical crew has focused on tactical organisation, team cohesion, and overall strategy, while the players have demonstrated commitment, discipline, and intensity throughout preparations.
Aduku emphasised that attention remains firmly on the upcoming qualifier, stressing the importance of securing a strong result in the first leg on home soil. Friendly matches have been vital in assessing and refining the team’s system of play, with a focus on strengthening attacking play while maintaining defensive balance. He described performances so far as encouraging.
Nigeria will host the first leg of the fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, on Saturday, 7 February, with the return leg scheduled for Saturday, 14 February, in Dakar, Senegal.
The Falconets, who also reached the semi-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan 14 years ago, will travel to Ibadan on 27 January to continue their preparations ahead of the fixture.
While refraining from bold predictions, Coach Aduku expressed confidence in the quality and mentality of the players, citing their competitive displays in recent friendly matches. He concluded by re-affirming the team’s determination to make the nation proud and secure qualification.
The winner of the Nigeria/Senegal fixture will advance to the final round of the qualifying series to confront the winner of the Guinea-Bissau/Malawi fixture, competing for one of Africa’s four tickets to the final tournament.
The 12th edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals will be staged in Poland from 5 to 27 September 2026.
