Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, will take on Senegal in the third round of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup African Qualifiers, following dominant displays by both sides in the second round.

 

Senegal booked their place in emphatic fashion on Saturday with a 4-0 victory over Algeria in the second leg in Dakar, completing a 6-0 aggregate rout. Sokhna Nogaye Pene got the hosts off to a flying start with a goal just two minutes in, before an own goal by Melissa Rekibi doubled their lead in the 18th minute. Late goals from Aïssatou Sagna (79’) and Khadija Badio (81’) sealed a comprehensive win.

 

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Falconets confirmed their progression with a convincing 4-0 win over Rwanda in the second leg held in Ibadan, taking the aggregate score to 5-0. Goals from Precious Oscar, Fatimah Tunmininu, Janet Akekerowei, and Taiwo Afolabi ensured a smooth passage to the next stage for the two-time World Cup finalists.

 

The much-anticipated third-round clash between Nigeria and Senegal will be played over two legs between February 6 and 14, 2026. The winner will move one step closer to securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, set to be hosted by Uzbekistan.

 

With both teams in strong form and eyeing a place on the global stage, the tie promises to be one of the most exciting matchups in the African qualifying series.

 

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Second Round Aggregate Results:

• Nigeria 5–0 Rwanda

• Senegal 6–0 Algeria

 

Third Round Fixtures (February 6–14, 2026):

• Nigeria vs Senegal (Home and Away Legs)