Falconets suffer injury blow ahead of Senegal showdown
Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their decisive FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Senegal, with five key players ruled out due to injury.
The technical crew has drafted in U-17 goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface to reinforce the squad following an injury scare involving first-team goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho, who fainted during a training session last Monday — two days after the team’s first-leg victory over Senegal.
The Falconets will also be without prolific striker Janet Akekoromowei, who has been sidelined after suffering a bone crack and minor fracture in her leg. Her absence represents a major blow to the team’s attacking options at a crucial stage of the qualification campaign.
Defensive reinforcements have also been affected, with three defenders ruled out due to injury. Hana of Remo Stars Ladies, Mistura of FC Robo and Oluchi of Nasarawa Queens will all miss the upcoming fixture, further stretching the squad’s depth.
Despite the injury concerns, the Falconets carry a slim advantage into the return leg after securing a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Senegal in the first leg of their third-round qualifier last Saturday.
The second leg of the World Cup qualifiers will hold on Saturday, 14 February 2026, in Senegal.
The winner of the Nigeria–Senegal tie will progress to the final round of the African qualifying series, where they will face either Guinea-Bissau or Malawi for one of Africa’s four available slots at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The 12th edition of the tournament will be hosted by Poland from 5 to 27 September 2026.
