The Nigeria U-20 women’s national team, known as the Falconets, is gearing up for a pivotal return leg in the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Senegal this weekend. Having secured a narrow but valuable 1-0 victory in the first leg held in Abeokuta last Saturday, the Falconets carry a crucial advantage into the decisive clash.

However, head coach Moses Aduku has provided an update regarding the fitness of Janet Akekoromowei, who sustained an injury during the first leg win over Senegal. The striker picked up a knock during the match at the MKO Abiola Sports Abeokuta. Speaking exclusively to Soccernet NG, Aduku confirmed that the medical team is still actively assessing the winger’s condition, and her availability for the upcoming return fixture in Dakar is yet to be determined.

“The medical team has been taking care of her. We are hoping she’ll come back on time. But we don’t know yet until they give us their feedback,” Aduku told Soccernet NG. Akekoromowei was forced off the pitch after picking up the knock, and while sources had indicated that scan results were being awaited, her status remains under evaluation. The coach acknowledged Akekoromowei as "a very good player and an important player for the team," emphasizing her value, especially with the game being so crucial.

Nigeria boasts a formidable history in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, having competed in every edition of the tournament and reaching the final twice, losing to Germany in both 2010 and 2014. Senegal, on the other hand, is striving for a historic first appearance at the global event, adding significant stakes to this qualifying encounter.

As the Falconets head into the return fixture, former Super Falcons midfielder Maureen Mmadu has urged the team to maintain calm and confidence. Mmadu firmly believes that the momentum remains with Nigeria, despite the tight first-leg scoreline. She is convinced that the Falconets possess ample quality, maturity, and tactical awareness to manage the pressure of playing away in Thiès, where Senegal will need to secure a victory by at least two clear goals to advance to the next stage.

Mmadu highlighted the psychological boost derived from the first-leg win. “The important thing is that the girls won the first leg, and that will give them confidence going into the return leg match in Dakar, Senegal,” she told Complete Sports. Anticipating an aggressive push from Senegal from the opening whistle, Mmadu suggested this scenario could, in fact, favor the Falconets if they remain composed.

“In the return leg, Senegal will be under pressure and will come out to score goals. That situation will give the Falconets the opportunity to score more goals,” Mmadu explained. She concluded with strong conviction, stating, “The Falconets have the quality and potential to qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, and I don’t see Senegal stopping them.”

With a place in the final qualifying round—and a potential meeting with either Guinea-Bissau or Malawi—on the line, the stakes could hardly be higher for Coach Moses Aduku’s side. The team remains focused on the game, with Aduku expressing belief that they will achieve a positive result in Senegal to secure their qualification.