Two-time FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup silver medallists Nigeria have reached the final round of the African qualification series for this year’s global tournament after defeating Senegal 2–1 in Diamniadio on Saturday evening.
Goals from Kindness Ifeanyi, who also scored the winner in the first leg in Abeokuta, and Precious Oscar secured a 3–1 aggregate victory for the Falconets. Ifeanyi opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a header from a corner kick, replicating her goal in the first leg. Oscar doubled Nigeria’s lead in the second half, also converting from a corner delivered by defender Tumininu Adeshina.
Senegal pulled one back with 15 minutes left, but it proved only a consolation as Nigeria held firm to book their place in the final round.
The Falconets will now face Malawi, who edged out Guinea Bissau in their own fixture. Africa is set to present four teams at the final tournament scheduled for Poland in September 2026.
Nigeria’s victory keeps alive their ambition to return to the World Cup stage, where they have twice finished as runners-up.
By Adeolu Johnson, Abuja
