Nigeria U-20 women completed a 2–1 victory over Senegal U-20 to secure qualification to the fourth and final round of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, advancing 3-1 on aggregate in the third-round tie.

From the opening minutes, both sides contested possession as the match settled into an even rhythm. Nigeria U-20 gradually found their footing and were rewarded in the 19th minute when Kindness Chinaza Ifeanyi opened the scoring. Her goal put Nigeria ahead on the night and extended their aggregate advantage in the tie.

Following the opener, the game continued at a measured pace, with Senegal U-20 pushing forward in search of an equaliser while Nigeria maintained their lead through to the end of the first half. The teams went into the interval with Nigeria U-20 holding a 1–0 advantage.

After the restart, Senegal U-20 increased their efforts, but Nigeria remained composed and struck again in the 69th minute.

Precious Oscar doubled Nigeria’s lead with a well-taken goal that strengthened their position both in the match and on aggregate.

Senegal U-20 responded in the 76th minute through Sokhna N. T. Pene, who pulled one back to make the score 2–1. The goal reduced the deficit but left Senegal still trailing in the overall tie.

The closing stages saw both teams continue to contest possession, but no further goals were added before the final whistle. The result confirmed Nigeria U-20’s 2–1 win on the day and a 3–1 aggregate victory over Senegal U20.

With the third-round hurdle cleared, Nigeria U20 now progress to the fourth and final round of qualification. They will face Malawi in May, with a place at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup at stake.

Wale Adejumo