Nigeria’s Falconets secured a crucial 1–0 victory over Senegal in the first leg of their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 third-round qualifier.
However, celebrations at full time were overshadowed by a devastating injury to star striker Janet Akekoromowei, a moment that could have far-reaching consequences for both player and country.
The perennial FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finalists dominated proceedings on home soil, yet had only Kindness Ifeanyi’s 51st-minute header, leaving the tie delicate ahead of the decisive second leg in Dakar next week.
Falconets Enjoy Early Control but Missed Chances
From the opening whistle, Nigeria asserted control, pressing high and covering every blade of grass as Senegal struggled to cope with the Falconets’ tempo.
Nigeria recorded their first real incursion into the Senegalese penalty area in the 12th minute, when Shakirat Moshood skipped past two defenders before delivering a dangerous cross that was blocked and cleared at the last moment.
Senegal responded eight minutes later through Sokhna Nogaye, who capitalised on a brief communication lapse in Nigeria’s backline.
However, goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma reacted sharply to smother the danger and keep the scores level.
The game’s first booking arrived in the 25th minute, when Khady Thiandoume was shown a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Akekoromowei.
Half-Time Heartbreak: Janet Akekoromowei Forced Off
Just as Nigeria were beginning to build sustained pressure, disaster struck.
Nigeria’s top striker Janet Akekoromowei was forced off before half-time with what has since been described as a serious, potentially career-threatening injury, sending shockwaves through the stadium and the Falconets’ camp.
This setback didn’t stop Moshood and Taiwo Afolabi’s attacking moves. In the 30th minute, Moshood burst into the box and fired a point-blank effort, but Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye produced an outstanding save.
Five minutes later, a slick combination between Moshood and Akekoromowei’s replacement nearly yielded the opener, only for a last-ditch defensive intervention to concede a corner.
Breakthrough at Last: Ifeanyi Delivers
Nigeria finally found the breakthrough six minutes after the restart.
Substitute Kindness Ifeanyi rose highest to meet a perfectly delivered corner kick from defender Tumininu Adeshina, powering her header past Ndiaye to give the Falconets a deserved lead in the 51st minute.
Ifeanyi nearly doubled her tally in the 66th minute, but Ndiaye once again came to Senegal’s rescue, stretching full length to push the effort away.
Relentless Pressure, No Second Goal
The Falconets continued to turn the screw, pinning Senegal deep in their half.
A dangerous free kick from the edge of the area sailed just over the crossbar as Senegal struggled under Nigeria’s high-octane pressing.
In the 73rd minute, Moshood was denied yet again from close range, while three minutes later Adeshina struck the crossbar directly from a corner kick, inches away from sealing the tie.
Despite wave after wave of attacks, Nigeria were unable to add to their advantage, leaving the contest finely balanced heading into the return leg.
Transfer Dream in Jeopardy? Alarming Reports Emerge
Beyond the pitch, concern has intensified around Akekoromowei’s future.
According to reports, the injury comes at the worst possible moment for the young striker, who is said to be on the verge of securing a major move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The reports claim:
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Her visa has already been granted
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A deal has been agreed in principle
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She was expected to travel and sign imminently
The injury has now cast serious doubt over that long-anticipated transfer.
All to Play for in Dakar
Up next, Nigeria’s Falconets will take confidence from a disciplined, dominant display and a precious first-leg advantage.
Both teams will clash again in Dakar on Saturday, with the winner on aggregate advancing to the final round of qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
