By Prosper Mene
Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, are intensifying preparations for their crucial third-round qualifiers against Senegal in the race to qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
Head coach Moses Aduku has announced a 26-player squad, primarily drawn from the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), to face the Lionesses de Téranga in this two-legged tie. The squad features standout talents such as Bayelsa Queens forward Janet Akekoromowei, Nasarawa Amazons midfielder Joy Igbokwe, and several players promoted from the national U-17 setup, including Shakirat Abidemi Moshood.
Coach Aduku expressed satisfaction with the team’s commitment and progress in camp, emphasizing the need for a strong performance in the home leg to build momentum ahead of the away fixture.
The first leg is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta . Kick-off is set for 16:00 local time. The return leg will take place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in Dakar, Senegal, at the Stade Lat-Dior.
The winner of this tie will advance to the final round of African qualifiers, with only the top teams securing spots at the global finals in Poland.
Full Squad List as announced:
Goalkeepers:
Uzoma Christiana Ijeoma (Edo Queens)
Opara Onyinyechi Jacklin (Delta Queens)
Jane Bubemi Ijirigho (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders:
Ezekwugo Chiamaka Esther (Bayelsa Queens)
Sandra John Nwibe (Rivers Angels)
Yusuf Mistura Motunrayo (FC Robo Queens)
Abdulwahab Farida Opeyemi (Nasarawa Amazons)
Ohaegbulem Oluchi (Nasarawa Amazons)
Ayoade Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies)
Adeshina Tumininu Fatimoh (Edo Queens)
Adegbemile Rebecca (Edo Queens)
Iheoma Chinyere (Bayelsa Queens)
Midfielders:
Afolabi Taiwo Tewogbola
Otubo Patience (Rivers Angels)
Igbokwe Joy (Nasarawa Amazons)
Nkwocha Favour Chiamaka (FC Robo Queens)
Kafayat Oluwatosin Mafisere (Edo Queens)
The Falconets, two-time silver medalists at the U-20 World Cup, remain confident under Aduku’s guidance as they aim to overcome Senegal and keep their qualification dreams alive.
