Nigeria’s Falconets secured a narrow 1-0 win over Senegal in Saturday’s U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta.
Both teams showed determination in the first half, but despite several attempts, neither could score, so the teams went into halftime tied at 0-0.
Substitute Kindness Ifeanyi scored the decisive goal in the second half, heading home from a corner kick in the 50th minute to separate the sides.
She came close to doubling the advantage in the 66th minute, but the Senegalese goalkeeper stretched full length to push her effort away.
The Falconets held their lead with disciplined defending and steady play. Coach Moses Aduku’s changes in the second half helped maintain momentum and see the game out.
Nigeria’s striker Janet Akokororowei was forced off in the first period due to injury.
Ifeanyi earned player of the match for her decisive performance.
The return leg is scheduled for Feb. 14 in Senegal, where Nigeria will seek to consolidate its advantage and advance to the next round.
