Home support key as Falconets face Senegal in World Cup qualifier

Nigeria’s Falconets are banking on massive home support to inspire victory against Senegal in this weekend’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday, head coach Moses Aduku noted that strong home backing can play a significant role in boosting the players’ confidence and performance.

“The support of our fans will be very important to us, especially playing at home. It gives the players extra confidence and motivation,” he stated.

Notwithstanding the home support, coach Aduku confirmed the team’s preparedness, mindset and fitness levels as the Falconets get set for the decisive two-legged tie that will determine progress to the final qualification round for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals.

“The players are fit, focused and ready. We have worked very hard in camp, and we approach every match with the seriousness of a final to maintain the right mentality and match sharpness,” he said.

Captain Joy Igbokwe echoed the coach’s confidence, noting that the squad is united, focused and fully aware of what is at stake. She emphasised that her teammates are ready to give their best performance in the home fixture before carrying the same level of commitment into the return leg in Senegal.

Providing an update on the squad, coach Aduku disclosed that two players who sustained minor knocks are being carefully managed and have returned to limited training, while one player has fully recovered from illness.

Saturday’s encounter will take place at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, with the return leg scheduled for Dakar six days later, on Saturday, 14 February.