Head Coach Moses Aduku has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s U20 girls, the Falconets, will rise to the occasion and defeat hosts Senegal in Saturday’s decisive FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup third round, second leg clash in Thies.

 

The Nigerian side will be without leading striker Janet Akekoromowei, who sustained an injury in the first half of last weekend’s first leg encounter in Abeokuta. The forward was forced off during the game and has not been included in the squad that departed for Dakar on Wednesday morning.

 

Despite the setback, Aduku remains optimistic about his team’s chances of securing qualification to the next round of the African qualifiers.

 

“We will overcome because we have reviewed the match and taken a lot of lessons on board,” Aduku said ahead of the trip. “I commend the girls for regrouping after a tough first half, adjusting tactics and showing character in the second half. We could have won by more goals because we created a number of opportunities in that second period.

 

“In Senegal, we must defend resolutely and attack with purpose. We will play with focus and determination.”

 

The Falconets are expected to face a spirited Senegalese side at the Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal’s third largest city located about 70 kilometres from the capital, Dakar. The atmosphere is anticipated to be intense as the hosts aim to capitalize on home advantage.

 

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed a team of match officials from Morocco for the encounter. Zakia El Grini will serve as referee, assisted by Karima Khadiri (Assistant Referee 1) and Ihsane Ennouajeli Nouajli (Assistant Referee 2). Zoulaikha Harmasse will act as fourth official.

 

Oumou Souleymane Kane of Mauritania has been named match commissioner, while Kenya’s Alice Kimani will serve as referee assessor.

 

The match is scheduled to kick off at 5pm local time in Senegal (6pm Nigeria time). The team that prevails 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 in September at stake.