Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, will face Senegal in the third round of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup African qualifiers when action resumes in February next year.
The Adukwu led side cruised past Rwanda in the second round, sealing a comprehensive 5–0 aggregate victory.
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After a narrow 1–0 first-leg win in Kigali courtesy of Olabiyi’s 70th-minute strike, the Falconets returned to Ibadan to complete the job in style.
They swept off their visitors 4–0. Goals from Oscar, Adeshina, Akekoromwei, and Afolabi ensured a dominant passage to the next stage.
Senegal, meanwhile, were even more ruthless in their second-round encounter against Algeria.
The West Africans won 2–0 in Thiès and followed it up with a resounding 4–0 triumph away in Blida, claiming a 6–0 aggregate victory.
Sarr, Badio, Pène, Sagna, and an own goal from Rekibi highlighted their firepower.
The third-round clash promises to be one of the most intriguing ties of the qualifiers, with both nations boasting attacking strength and youthful energy.
Nigeria, two-time FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finalists, will rely on their pedigree and depth, while Senegal will aim to spring an upset and continue their impressive campaign.
Elsewhere, the draw also pits continental heavyweights against each other, with Ghana taking on South Africa, Uganda meeting Zambia, and Cameroon battling Botswana. Other ties include Kenya vs Tanzania, Cote d’Ivoire vs DR Congo, Egypt vs Benin, and Guinea-Bissau vs Malawi.
The third round of qualifiers will kick off in February 2026, with aggregate winners advancing one step closer to the global showpiece.
For the Falconets, the road to Chile continues, but Senegal’s stern challenge awaits.
The aggregate winner over the two legs will move into the fourth round, the final phase of the qualifying where the last four standing teams will represent Africa at the FIFA U20 Women World Cup.
Third round fixtures at a glance
Nigeria vs Senegal
Cameroon vs Botswana
Kenya vs Tanzania
Ghana vs South Africa
Uganda vs Zambia
Cote d’Ivoire vs DR Congo
Egypt vs Benin
Guinea-Bissau vs Malawi
