Two-time FIFA World Cup silver medallists, Falconets of Nigeria have advanced to the final round of the African qualifiers for this year’s global tournament after defeating Senegal 2-1 in Diamniadio on Saturday.
The victory secured a 3-1 aggregate triumph for the Falconets, who will now face Malawi’s Under-20 women’s team in the decisive round of the qualification series.
Nigeria opened the scoring in the 19th minute at the Annexe Stade Abdoulaye Wade when Kindness Ifeanyi headed home from a corner kick. The goal mirrored her effort in the first leg in Abeokuta, where she also scored from a Tumininu Adeshina corner to give Nigeria a narrow advantage.
The Falconets doubled their lead in the 69th minute as Precious Oscar converted another corner delivered by Adeshina, putting the visitors firmly in control of the tie.
Senegal reduced the deficit in the 76th minute through Sokhna N.T. Pene, but the goal proved to be a consolation as Nigeria held on to seal progression to the final stage.
Ifeanyi’s lone strike in the first leg at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta had handed Nigeria a crucial edge heading into the return fixture.
Malawi booked their place in the final round after edging out Guinea-Bissau and will now meet the Falconets in May for a place at the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup scheduled to take place in Poland in September. Africa will be represented by four teams at the tournament.
