Nigeria’s U-20 girls’s nationwide staff, the Falconets, secured a vital 1–0 victory over Senegal within the first leg of their 2026 FIFA U-20 Girls’s World Cup third-round qualifier, however the win was overshadowed by a worrying damage to ahead Janet Akekoromowei.
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Akekoromowei, who had been full of life and influential in Nigeria’s assault, suffered a severe knock within the forty second minute of the encounter.
The Bayelsa Queens ahead was unable to proceed and needed to be stretched off the sector, prompting seen concern amongst teammates and supporters.
She was subsequently changed by Folajomi Alaba as head coach Moses Aduku was compelled into an unplanned substitution earlier than halftime.
Regardless of the setback, the Falconets confirmed resilience and tactical self-discipline. The breakthrough finally got here within the second half after Aduku launched recent legs.
Substitute Favour Nkwocha delivered a pinpoint nook kick which fellow substitute Kindness Ifeanyi expertly headed house, scoring the one aim of the match and giving Nigeria a slender benefit within the tie.
The victory locations the Falconets in a powerful place forward of the return leg, however consideration will now additionally flip to the situation of Akekoromowei, whose damage could possibly be a big concern because the qualifiers progress.
Medical updates are anticipated within the coming days, with Nigeria hoping the gifted ahead makes a swift restoration.
Whereas the end result boosts Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes, the staff will probably be keen to mix progress on the pitch with optimistic information off it relating to Akekoromowei’s well being.
