Nigeria’s Falconets moved one step closer to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after a strong 2-1 win over Senegal U20 Women’s National Team on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Moses Aduku-tutored lads were calm and confident at the Annexe du Stade du Sénégal in Rufisque, sealing a 3-1 victory on aggregate to reach the final qualifying round.
Kindness Ifeanyi opened the scoring in the first half, rising highest to head in a corner. Precious Oscar then wrapped things up with another headed goal after the break.
Nigeria had already taken control of the tie with a 1-0 win in the first leg in Abeokuta, once again thanks to Ifeanyi’s header from a corner.
The victory keeps alive Nigeria’s proud record as the only African country to qualify for every edition of the U-20 Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 2002.
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Falconets in as final qualifying picture takes shape
Nigeria’s success means all eight teams for the final qualifying round are now confirmed.
Malawi produced the biggest wins of the round, thrashing Guinea-Bissau 5-1 at home after drawing the first leg 1-1. Uganda also progressed with a narrow 1-0 away win over Zambia.
Ghana edged past South Africa 1-0 to stay on course for another World Cup appearance, while Tanzania showed great spirit by overturning a first-leg loss before winning on penalties against Kenya.
Ivory Coast squeezed through despite losing 1-0 to DR Congo, thanks to their earlier 2-0 home victory.
Second-leg results (third round):
- Benin 4-0 Egypt
- Botswana 1-0 Cameroon
- Malawi 5-1 Guinea-Bissau
- Zambia 0-1 Uganda
- DR Congo 1-0 Ivory Coast
- South Africa 0-1 Ghana
- Tanzania 1-0 (3-1 on penalties) Kenya
Final qualifying fixtures
In the final round, Nigeria will face Malawi. Ghana take on Uganda, Cameroon meet Tanzania, while Benin will battle Ivory Coast.
The four winners will book their places at the World Cup in Poland, which begins on September 5.
Teams through to the final round:
Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria
