Nigeria beats Senegal, set to face Malawi for 2026 U-20 Women’s World Cup

Nigeria women's national under-20 football team defeated Senegal women's national under-20 football team 2-1, setting up a final qualifier clash with Malawi women's national under-20 football team

Two-time FIFA World Cup silver medallists Nigeria have advanced to the final round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Senegal in Diamniadio on Saturday evening.

The win secured a 3-1 aggregate for the Falconets, following their 1-0 first-leg success in Abeokuta last week.

Nigeria struck first at the Annexe Stade Abdoulaye Wade in the 19th minute when Kindness Ifeanyi rose highest to head home from a corner kick, mirroring her decisive goal in the first leg at the MKO Abiola Stadium.

The Falconets doubled their advantage in the second half through Precious Oscar, who also capitalised on a well-delivered corner from defender Tumininu Adeshina to put the visitors firmly in control.

Senegal managed to pull one back with 15 minutes remaining, but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation as Nigeria held on to seal progression.

Nigeria will now face Malawi in the final round of the qualification series after the Southern Africans edged past Guinea-Bissau in their tie.

With four African nations set to qualify for the tournament in Poland this September, the Falconets are now just one step away from booking their place at the global showpiece.