Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have intensified preparations for their crucial FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying double-header against Senegal, with head coach Moses Aduku unveiling a 26-player squad largely dominated by domestic league talents.
The build-up comes amid a change in venue for the first leg of the third-round qualifier, following approval by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) successfully requested that the fixture be moved from the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, to the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.
The highly anticipated encounter will now be played on Saturday, 7 February 2026, at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00.
Why the Venue Was Changed
Confirming the development, NFF Director of Competitions, Ruth David, explained that the decision was driven by concerns over the condition of the Ibadan playing surface.
According to her, the federation requested the change “as a result of the deteriorating state of the playing pitch of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan,” despite the venue initially receiving approval. The stadium had previously hosted Nigeria’s second-round, second-leg qualifier against Rwanda in September last year.
With CAF’s approval secured, the Falconets have since relocated to Abeokuta, where they are expected to fully acclimatize to the turf ahead of the decisive first leg against Senegal.
Falconets Settle in Abeokuta
The two-time FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup silver medalists arrived in the Ogun State capital on Tuesday morning and wasted no time settling into their new base. As part of their preparations, the Falconets fine-tuned their readiness with a 2–1 friendly victory over NWFL side FC Robo Queens.
The match provided Aduku with a valuable opportunity to assess player combinations, tactical balance, and overall match fitness as the qualifiers draw closer.
Nigeria booked their place in the third round after a commanding 5–0 aggregate victory over Rwanda, underlining their pedigree at this level of competition.
Domestic Core Anchors Aduku’s Squad
The 26-player squad named by Aduku reflects a deliberate emphasis on continuity and domestic development, with the bulk of selections drawn from the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL).
Bayelsa Queens forward Janet Akekoromowei and Nasarawa Amazons midfielder Joy Igbokwe headline the list, alongside several proven league performers. Also included is Shakirat Abidemi Moshood, one of a number of players promoted from the national U-17 team, highlighting Nigeria’s structured youth development pathway.
The squad is evenly balanced across all departments, blending experience with youthful energy.
Selected Squad
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)
Joy Igbokwe (Nasarawa Amazons)
Nkwocha Favour Chiamaka (FC Robo Queens)
Kafayat Oluwatosin Mafisere (Edo Queens)
Forwards
Nwachukwu Chisom Monica (Rivers Angels)
Ramotalahi Kareem (Rivers Angels)
Moshood Shakirat Abidemi (Bayelsa Queens)
Janet Akekoromowei (Bayelsa Queens)
Alaba Olabiyi (Bayelsa Queens)
Ayantosho Yetunde Zarat (Pacesetter Queens)
Ifeanyi Kindness Chinaza (Bayelsa Queens)
Oscar Precious Chiemerie (Edo Queens)
Mamudu Mary (Edo Queens)
Coach Aduku Confident Ahead of Senegal Test
Head coach Moses Aduku has expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress in camp, praising the players’ attitude and commitment during preparations.
“The past weeks spent in camp have been productive, with all invited players fully present and responding positively to training,” Aduku said.
He revealed that the technical crew has focused heavily on tactical organization, team cohesion, and overall match strategy.
“The players have demonstrated commitment, discipline, and intensity throughout preparations,” he added.
Aduku also stressed the importance of capitalizing on home advantage in the first leg.
“Our attention remains firmly on the upcoming qualifier, especially the need to secure a strong result in the first leg on home soil,” he said.
According to the coach, friendly matches have been central to sharpening the team’s approach.
“They have been vital in assessing and refining the team’s system of play, with a focus on strengthening attacking play while maintaining defensive balance. Performances so far have been encouraging.”
Eyes on Qualification to Poland 2026
Reacting after the 2–1 friendly win over FC Robo, Aduku acknowledged that while progress has been positive, improvements are still required.
“So far, so good. We won the game, but there are still little adjustments to be made in the team ahead of Saturday’s game against the Senegalese,” he noted.
He was particularly impressed by the team’s mentality.
“The fighting spirit was a big positive. The way the girls responded to score the winning goal was very encouraging. It showed character, resilience, and the determination not to relent in our quest to qualify.”
The winner of the Nigeria–Senegal tie will advance to the final round of African qualification, where they will face the winner of Guinea-Bissau vs. Malawi for a place at the finals.
Africa has four slots at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, which will be staged in Poland from 5 to 27 September 2026.
With preparations intensifying and confidence growing within the camp, the Falconets are firmly focused on making home advantage count in Abeokuta and taking another decisive step on the road to Poland.
As Aduku concluded, “We are determined to make the nation proud and secure qualification.”
