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Moses Aduku Confident as Falconets Target Strong Start Against Senegal
Nigeria U-20 head coach Moses Aduku has expressed strong confidence in the Falconets’ readiness ahead of Saturday’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier first-leg clash against Senegal in Abeokuta.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference on Friday, Aduku said the team’s preparations have been thorough and focused, with the players responding positively throughout camp.
“We are focused. The girls are prepared for the game from Abuja to Ibadan and now here in Abeokuta. The camp has been bubbling, the players are fit and ready for the match,” Aduku said.
The Falconets coach emphasized his side’s winning mentality, noting that every friendly match played during preparations was treated with the seriousness of a final.
“We have the mentality of winning every game we play. That is why every friendly we played was like a cup final. Tomorrow will not be an exception. We are going all out to get the win and win well because we know this is not the final game. We will still meet them again in Senegal,” he stated.
Aduku explained that recent friendlies were carefully selected to mirror the intensity and tactical demands of the Senegal encounter, with particular focus on improving goal-scoring efficiency.
“We decided to face FC Robo Queens as a reflection of this match against Senegal. From that result, we know we must double our efforts, especially in the area of scoring goals, which we have been working on and will reflect tomorrow,” he said.
He added that the subsequent friendly against the Oyo State National Sports Festival team was designed to ease pressure and boost confidence within the squad.
Addressing concerns about travel and logistics, Aduku dismissed any suggestion that movement between camps affected preparations.
“We didn’t see the movement as anything. We have been working from Abuja, continued in Ibadan and now here. The journey is not our problem. We are focused on the match,” he said.
On squad fitness, the coach confirmed there are minor issues but no major setbacks.
“We have two players with issues. One has started training again, while the other is sick. The rest of the players are ready to go. There is no cause for alarm,” Aduku assured.
Aduku also made a passionate appeal to fans in Abeokuta to turn out in large numbers, recalling the impressive atmosphere created by supporters during a recent Super Falcons match at the same venue.
“Before the WAFU-B tournament, we watched the Super Falcons play here and I was very impressed. The stadium was filled to capacity. I’m pleading with the fans to come back again. The Falconets will also make the nation proud,” he said.
The coach concluded by underlining Nigeria’s proud history at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, insisting his team is determined to maintain that record.
“Falconets have never failed to qualify for a World Cup. We keep telling the girls in camp that it cannot be our turn to fail. The players are ready, and tomorrow will speak for itself,” Aduku declared.
