Head Coach of Nigeria’s Under-20 women’s team, the Falconets, Moses Aduku, has expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparations ahead of their third-round FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against Senegal.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, Aduku said the weeks spent in camp had been productive, noting that all invited players reported on time and responded positively to training sessions.
He said the technical crew focused on tactical organisation, team cohesion and overall strategy, adding that the players showed strong commitment, discipline and high intensity throughout the preparations.
“Our attention remains firmly on the upcoming qualifier,” Aduku said, stressing the importance of securing a positive result in the first leg at home.
The coach added that friendly matches played during the build-up were useful in assessing and refining the team’s style of play, particularly in strengthening attacking options while maintaining defensive balance. He described the performances in the friendly games as encouraging.
Nigeria will host the first leg of the encounter at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on February 7, with the return leg scheduled for February 14 in Dakar, Senegal.
The Falconets, two-time silver medallists at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup and semi-finalists at the tournament in Japan 14 years ago, are expected to travel to Ibadan on January 27 to intensify preparations.
While declining to make predictions, Aduku expressed confidence in the quality and mentality of his players, citing their competitive displays in recent friendly matches. He reaffirmed the team’s determination to make the nation proud and secure qualification for the World Cup.
The winner of the Nigeria–Senegal tie will progress to the final round of the African qualifiers, where they will face the winner of the Guinea-Bissau versus Malawi fixture for one of Africa’s four slots at the tournament.
The 12th edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup will be held in Poland from September 5 to September 27.
