U20 World Cup Qualifier: Aduku confident as Falconets prepare for Senegal
Head coach of Nigeria’s Under-20 women’s team, the Falconets, Moses Aduku, has expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparation ahead of their third-round FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against Senegal.
Mr Aduku said this on Tuesday in Abuja, noting that the weeks spent in camp had been productive, with all invited players reporting on time and responding positively to training sessions.
He said the technical crew had focused on tactical organisation, team cohesion and overall strategy, adding that the players demonstrated commitment, discipline and high intensity throughout the preparations.
According to him, the team’s attention remains firmly on the upcoming qualifier, stressing the importance of securing a favourable result in the first leg at home.
Mr Aduku said that friendly matches played during the preparation period were useful in assessing and refining the team’s system of play, particularly in improving attacking options while maintaining defensive balance.
He described the team’s performances in the friendly games as encouraging.
Nigeria will host the first leg of the encounter at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on February 7, while the return leg is scheduled for February 14 in Dakar, Senegal.
The Falconets, two-time silver medallists at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup and semi-finalists at the tournament in Japan 14 years ago, are expected to travel to Ibadan on January 27 (today) to intensify preparations for the fixture.
While refraining from making predictions, Mr Aduku expressed confidence in the players’ quality and mentality, citing their competitive displays in recent friendly matches.
He reaffirmed the team’s determination to make the nation proud and secure qualification for the World Cup.
The winner of the Nigeria–Senegal tie will advance to the final round of the African qualifying series to face the winner of the Guinea-Bissau versus Malawi fixture for one of Africa’s four slots at the tournament.
The 12th edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals will be held in Poland from September 5 to September 27.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Focus on criminals, stop targeting journalists, CPJ tells Nigerian security agencies
She also pointed out harsh bail requirements imposed on journalists, describing Mr Ugagbe’s bail conditions as “utterly punitive.”
Education
Tinubu upgrades Nasarawa poly to university
Mr Onanuga said the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
Lagos
Lagos govt signs agreement to automate vehicle registration
Mr Osiyemi said the initiative would simplify and speed up vehicle registration by eliminating cumbersome processes.
States
Three rescued, one body recovered as building collapses in Kano
The PRO attributed the collapse to the use of poor and substandard building materials.
NationWide
FG calls for stronger African collaboration to combat illicit wealth, transnational corruption
Mr Fagbemi added that the recovery and transparent management of proceeds of crime remained a key pillar of the country’s anti-corruption policy.
Heading 2
FG reiterates commitment to ensuring safe return of Nigerians from South Africa
“The last evacuation flight, which is expected to bring home approximately 300 of our nationals, is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week,” Mr Ebienfa said.
