Nigeria’s Falconets claimed a vital 1–0 victory over Senegal in the first leg of their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 third-round qualifier, but the result was tempered by a worrying injury to star striker Janet Akekoromowei.
The two-time World Cup finalists dominated the encounter on home soil, yet had only Kindness Ifeanyi’s 51st-minute header to show for their superiority, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the decisive second leg in Dakar next week.
Nigeria in Control, Senegal Under Pressure
From the outset, the Falconets imposed themselves with aggressive pressing and high tempo, forcing Senegal into repeated defensive errors.
Nigeria’s first clear opening arrived in the 12th minute, when Shakirat Moshood danced past two defenders before firing in a dangerous cross that was blocked at the last moment. Senegal’s response came eight minutes later through Sokhna Nogaye, but goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma reacted swiftly to smother the danger.
The match’s first caution followed in the 25th minute, as Khady Thiandoume was booked for a reckless challenge on Akekoromowei.
A Crushing Blow Before Half-Time
Just as Nigeria’s pressure was building, disaster struck. Akekoromowei was forced off before the break with what has been described as a serious, potentially career-threatening injury, sending shockwaves through the stadium and the Falconets’ camp.
Despite the setback, Nigeria continued to probe. In the 30th minute, Moshood burst into the box and fired from close range, only for Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye to pull off an excellent save. A flowing move five minutes later nearly produced the opener, but Senegal scrambled clear.
Breakthrough After the Restart
Nigeria finally got their reward six minutes into the second half. Kindness Ifeanyi, introduced from the bench, rose highest to meet a pinpoint corner from Tumininu Adeshina, powering her header past Ndiaye to give the Falconets a deserved lead in the 51st minute.
Ifeanyi nearly doubled the advantage in the 66th minute, again denied by Ndiaye, as Nigeria continued to dominate territory and possession.
Missed Chances Keep Tie Alive
The Falconets pushed relentlessly for a second goal. A dangerous free kick from the edge of the area sailed narrowly over the bar, while Moshood was denied from point-blank range in the 73rd minute. Three minutes later, Adeshina came agonizingly close, striking the crossbar directly from a corner kick.
Despite their dominance, Nigeria could not extend the lead, leaving the contest delicately balanced.
Transfer Dreams in Jeopardy
Off the pitch, concern is growing over Akekoromowei’s future. Reports suggest the injury could derail a long-anticipated move to a major European club, with claims that:
- Her visa had already been granted
- A deal was agreed in principle
- She was due to travel and sign imminently
The injury has now cast serious doubt over that transfer and her immediate career trajectory.
All to Play for in Dakar
Nigeria will travel to Senegal with confidence drawn from a disciplined and dominant display and a precious first-leg advantage.
The Falconets and Senegal will meet again in Dakar on Saturday, with the aggregate winner advancing to the final round of African qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
