Falconets sink Senegal, Malawi next in 2026 World Cup race

Nigeria’s U-20 women, the Falconets, have moved a step closer to another global appearance after edging past Senegal 2-1 away to book a place in the final round of the African qualifiers.

The victory sealed a 3-1 aggregate success for Nigeria, confirming their dominance over the two-legged tie and keeping their World Cup qualification hopes alive.

The two-time runners-up struck first through Kindness Ifeanyi, who continued her fine form after scoring the winner in the first leg. She nodded home from a corner kick in the first half to give Nigeria early control of the game.

Nigeria doubled their advantage in the second half when Precious Oscar finished off another set-piece delivery, putting the Falconets firmly in command before the hosts grabbed a late consolation goal.

Despite the late response, the Senegalese side could not overturn the deficit, as Nigeria comfortably saw out the match to progress.

Nigeria will now face the U-20 girls of Malawi, who eliminated Guinea-Bissau in their own qualifying fixture.

The winner of the tie will secure a ticket to the global tournament, with Africa set to produce four representatives at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to take place in Poland later this year.