U20 World Cup: CAF approves new venue for Falconets vs Senegal qualifier

U20 World Cup: CAF approves new venue for Falconets vs Senegal qualifier

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) request to change the venue for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup third-round qualifier between Nigeria’s Falconets and Senegal.

The first-leg match, slated for February 7, will now take place at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State, instead of the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.

Read Also: U20 Women’s World Cup: Falconets coach confident ahead of Senegal qualifier

NFF Director of Competitions, Ruth David, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, explaining that the decision was necessitated by the deteriorating condition of the Ibadan pitch, which had earlier been approved for the fixture.

The Lekan Salami Stadium previously hosted the Falconets’ second-round, second-leg encounter against Rwanda in September 2025.

Following the change, the Falconets, currently in camp in Ibadan, are expected to relocate to Abeokuta in the coming days to acclimatise to the new playing surface.

Nigeria, two-time FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup silver medallists, progressed to the third round after defeating Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate.

The winner of the Nigeria–Senegal tie will advance to the final round of the African qualifiers, where they will face either Guinea-Bissau or Malawi for a place at the tournament.

The 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup will be staged in Poland from September 5 to September 27, while the return leg of the qualifier is scheduled to be held in Dakar, Senegal.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date