Nigeria’s U20 women’s team, the Falconets, have expressed confidence ahead of Saturday’s 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup third-round, first-leg qualifier against Senegal.

Saturday’s first-leg encounter will be played at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta, with the return leg scheduled for Saturday, February 14, in Dakar.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, head coach Moses Aduku and team captain Joy Igbokwe underlined the squad’s preparedness, unity and fitness as the Falconets brace for a decisive two-legged tie.

Coach Aduku confirmed the team has undergone intensive preparations in camp and is fully focused on the task at hand, stressing the importance of maintaining a winning mentality throughout the qualification campaign.

“The players are fit, focused and ready,” Aduku said. “We have worked very hard in camp, and we approach every match with the seriousness of a final to maintain the right mentality and match sharpness.”

Igbokwe echoed the coach’s confidence, noting that the team understands what is at stake and is determined to deliver a strong performance in the home leg before carrying the same intensity into the return fixture in Senegal.

“We are united and fully aware of the importance of this game,” Igbokwe said. “Our focus is to give our best at home and take that same commitment into the second leg.”

The Falconets’ coach also appealed to Nigerian football fans to turn out in large numbers, stressing that home support could prove decisive.

“The support of our fans will be very important to us, especially playing at home. It gives the players extra confidence and motivation,” he added. (BusinessDay)