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

The first-leg encounter, scheduled for February 7, will now be played at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The NFF director of competitions, Ruth David, confirmed the development in a statement made available to journalists on Friday in Abuja.

She said the change of venue became necessary due to the deteriorating condition of the pitch at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, which was earlier approved for the match.

She noted that the Ibadan stadium had hosted the Falconets’ second-round, second-leg fixture against Rwanda in September 2025.

Following the development, the Falconets, who have been training in Ibadan, are expected to relocate to Abeokuta in the coming days to familiarise themselves with the new playing surface.

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

The winners of the tie between Nigeria and Senegal will advance to the final round of the African qualifiers, where they will face the winners of the fixture between Guinea-Bissau and Malawi for a place at the tournament.

The 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup will be held in Poland from September 5 to September 27.

The return leg is scheduled for February 14 in Dakar, Senegal. 

(NAN)