Head coach Moses Aduku has expressed strong confidence that Nigeria’s U20 women’s team, the Falconets, will secure victory against Senegal despite the absence of injured striker Janet Akekoromowei.
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The Falconets departed Nigeria on Wednesday morning for Dakar ahead of Saturday’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup African qualifier third-round, second-leg clash against the hosts at Stade Lat Dior in Thies.
Akekoromowei suffered an injury in the first half of last Saturday’s first-leg encounter in Abeokuta and was forced off.
The forward has been ruled out of the trip to Senegal.
Speaking ahead of the journey, Aduku insisted his team remains focused and determined to finish the job.
“We will overcome because we have reviewed the match and taken a lot of lessons on board,” Aduku said. “I commend the girls for regrouping after a tough first half, adjusting tactically and showing character in the second half. We created many chances and could have won by more goals.”
Looking ahead to the return leg, the coach emphasized discipline and intent. “In Senegal, we must defend resolutely and attack with purpose. We will play with focus and determination,” he added.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed a team of Moroccan officials to handle the encounter.
Zakia El Grini will serve as referee, assisted by Karima Khadiri and Ihsane Ennouajeli Nouajli, with Zoulaikha Harmasse as fourth official. Mauritanian Oumou Souleymane Kane will be the match commissioner, while Kenya’s Alice Kimani will act as referee assessor.
The match will kick off at 5:00 pm Senegal time (6:00 pm Nigeria time).
The winner on aggregate will advance to the final round of the African qualifiers, with a place at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, scheduled for September, at stake.
