Head coach of Nigeria’s Under-20 women’s team, the Falconets, Moses Aduku, has expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparation ahead of their third-round FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against Senegal.

Mr Aduku said this on Tuesday in Abuja, noting that the weeks spent in camp had been productive, with all invited players reporting on time and responding positively to training sessions.

He said the technical crew had focused on tactical organisation, team cohesion and overall strategy, adding that the players demonstrated commitment, discipline and high intensity throughout the preparations.

According to him, the team’s attention remains firmly on the upcoming qualifier, stressing the importance of securing a favourable result in the first leg at home.

Mr Aduku said that friendly matches played during the preparation period were useful in assessing and refining the team’s system of play, particularly in improving attacking options while maintaining defensive balance.

He described the team’s performances in the friendly games as encouraging.

Nigeria will host the first leg of the encounter at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on February 7, while the return leg is scheduled for February 14 in Dakar, Senegal.

The Falconets, two-time silver medallists at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup and semi-finalists at the tournament in Japan 14 years ago, are expected to travel to Ibadan on January 27 (today) to intensify preparations for the fixture.

While refraining from making predictions, Mr Aduku expressed confidence in the players’ quality and mentality, citing their competitive displays in recent friendly matches.

He reaffirmed the team’s determination to make the nation proud and secure qualification for the World Cup.

The winner of the Nigeria–Senegal tie will advance to the final round of the African qualifying series to face the winner of the Guinea-Bissau versus Malawi fixture for one of Africa’s four slots at the tournament.

The 12th edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals will be held in Poland from September 5 to September 27.

(NAN)