Nigeria’s Falconets secured a slender 1-0 win over Senegal within the first leg of their third-round qualifier for the 2026 FIFA U20 Girls’s World Cup.
The match was performed on the MKO Abiola Sports activities Advanced in Abeokuta and was a tense contest, with each groups properly organised in defence.
Nigeria managed a lot of the early play however struggled to create clear scoring possibilities. Senegal stayed compact and closed down areas, making it troublesome for the Falconets to interrupt via within the first half.
The Falconets suffered a blow earlier than half-time when ahead Janet Akekoromowei was stretchered off with an harm.
After the break, Nigeria got here out stronger and located the breakthrough. Chinaza Kindness scored the successful purpose with a robust close-range header, rising above the Senegalese defenders.
Senegal pushed ahead in quest of an equaliser and elevated the stress as the sport went on. Nevertheless, Nigeria stayed calm and organised on the again to guard their lead.
The win provides the Falconets a slim benefit forward of the second leg, which will likely be performed on Saturday, 14 February, on the Stade Lat-Dior in Thiès. Nigeria will intention to complete the job and e-book their place within the subsequent spherical of qualification.
