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CAF Sanctions Venue Shift for Nigeria vs Senegal U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifier
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially granted the Nigeria Football Federation‘s (NFF) appeal to relocate the upcoming 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup third-round first-leg qualifier between Nigeria and Senegal. Originally slated for Saturday, 7th February 2026, the fixture will now take place at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Reason Behind the Venue Change
Ruth David, NFF’s Director of Competitions, revealed that the decision to move the match was prompted by the poor condition of the pitch at Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan. This stadium had previously hosted the Falconets‘ second-round second-leg encounter against Rwanda U20 in September 2025. However, the playing surface has since deteriorated, raising concerns about player safety and match quality.
Preparation and Training Adjustments
Following the venue switch, the Nigerian U20 women’s team, who have twice finished as runners-up in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, will shift their training base from Ibadan to Abeokuta. This move is intended to allow the squad ample time to acclimate to the MKO Abiola Sports Complex’s pitch ahead of the crucial qualifier.
Pathway to the World Cup
The Falconets secured their spot in this third round by convincingly defeating Rwanda with a 5-0 aggregate score. The victor of the Nigeria-Senegal tie will advance to the final qualification round, where they will face the winner of the Guinea Bissau versus Malawi matchup. The ultimate prize is a berth at the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to be held in Poland from 5th to 27th September 2026.
Looking Ahead
With the tournament less than a year away, the stakes are high for both teams. Nigeria’s youth women’s squad aims to build on their strong legacy and secure a place on the global stage once again. The venue change, while unexpected, is a strategic move to ensure optimal playing conditions and maintain the integrity of the qualification process.
