Written by Enitan Abdultawab
As Nigeria intensifies their preparations for their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup third-round qualifiers against Senegal, Falconets head coach Moses Aduku has selected a roster of 26 players.
The team, which is primarily composed of players from the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), includes notable players like Nasarawa Amazons midfielder Joy Igbokwe and Bayelsa Queens striker Janet Akekoromowei, as well as a number of girls promoted from the national U-17 team, such as Shakirat Abidemi Moshood.
Concerns over the playing surface led to CAF approving the NFF’s decision to shift the first-leg match from Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan to MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta. The return match is set for February 14 at Stade Lat-Dior in Thiès, Senegal, with the first leg starting on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
Nigeria, the two-time silver medallists in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, defeated Rwanda 5–0 on aggregate to get to this level. In preparation for Senegal, the team has already moved to Abeokuta and defeated FC Robo Queens 2–1 in a friendly match.
List of squads
Goalkeepers: Jane Bubemi Ijirigho of the Nasarawa Amazons, Opara Onyinyechi Jacklin of the Delta Queens, and Uzoma Christiana Ijeoma of the Edo Queens.
Defenders: Abdulwahab Farida Opeyemi, Ohaegbulem Oluchi (Nasarawa Amazons), Ayoade Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies), Sandra John Nwibe (Rivers Angels), Yusuf Mistura Motunrayo (FC Robo Queens), Iheoma Chinyere (Bayelsa Queens), and Ezekwugo Chiamaka Esther (Bayelsa Queens).
Afolabi Taiwo Tewogbola, Otubo Patience (Rivers Angels), Joy Igbokwe (Nasarawa Amazons), Nkwocha Favour Chiamaka (FC Robo Queens), and Kafayat Oluwatosin Mafisere (Edo Queens) are midfielders.
Forwards: Ayantosho Yetunde Zarat (Pacesetter Queens), Ifeanyi Kindness Chinaza (Bayelsa Queens), Oscar Precious Chiemerie, Mamudu Mary (Edo Queens), Nwachukwu Chisom Monica, Ramotalahi Kareem (Rivers Angels), Moshood Shakirat Abidemi, Janet Akekoromowei, and Alaba Olabiyi (Bayelsa Queens).
Head coach Aduku was pleased with the team’s dedication throughout training, emphasizing how crucial it is to win the first leg at home in order to set the tone for the rematch in Senegal.
