Nigeria’s Falconets will be without key players Oluchi Ohaegbulem and Mistura Yusuf for the first leg of their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup third qualifying round tie against Senegal.
Both players sustained injuries during training sessions in Ibadan and were seen training separately from the rest of the squad on Thursday at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.
Defender Hannah Ayoade Ibrahim also missed Thursday’s session after falling ill, though she is expected to rejoin the team in training on Friday.
The absence of these three players could affect the team’s preparation as they look to get a positive result ahead of the return leg. Coach Moses Aduku, however, remains confident in the depth of his squad.
The Falconets have been in strong form throughout the qualifying campaign, having comfortably dispatched their previous opponents to reach the third round.
Aduku has emphasized team unity and resilience, saying that the side will adapt to the injury setbacks and continue to pursue their World Cup ambitions.
Senegal’s Lionesses de la Téranga will provide a stern test for Nigeria, with both sides eager to secure an advantage in the first leg.
The tie promises an intense battle as the West African rivals look to stake their claim for a place at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The first leg between Nigeria and Senegal will kick off at 4:00 PM Nigeria time on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.
Fans are expected to turn out in large numbers to support the Falconets as they seek to overcome injury challenges and take a crucial step toward qualification.
