National Teams

Falconets Edge Senegal to Take First-Leg Advantage in U-20 World Cup Qualifiers

Published

3 days ago

8:19 pm

Falconets Edge Senegal to Take First-Leg Advantage in U-20 World Cup Qualifiers

Nigeria’s Falconets claimed a crucial first-leg advantage in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Senegal at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Ogun State.

The decisive moment came shortly after the restart when Chinaza Kindness rose highest to meet a well-delivered corner kick, powering a perfectly placed header into the net in the 50th minute. The goal proved to be the difference between the two sides and handed Nigeria a narrow but valuable lead ahead of the return leg.

The Falconets displayed composure, tactical discipline and resilience throughout the encounter, effectively neutralising Senegal’s attacking threats. Head coach Moses Aduku played a key role from the touchline, with his second-half substitutions injecting fresh energy and balance into the team. The changes helped swing momentum Nigeria’s way and ensured they maintained control until the final whistle.

Chinaza Kindness capped an outstanding all-round performance with the match-winning goal and was deservedly named Player of the Match for her influence at both ends of the pitch.

The victory, however, was slightly overshadowed by a serious injury to forward Janet Akekoromowei, who was forced off in the second half. Best wishes and a speedy recovery go out to the Falconets attacker, with hopes that she returns stronger very soon.

Attention now shifts to the return leg, scheduled for Saturday, 14 February, at the Stade Lat-Dior in Thiès, Senegal, where the Falconets will aim to build on their advantage and continue their push toward qualification for the Poland 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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