Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have officially established their base in Abeokuta ahead of their high-stakes international fixture against Senegal’s Lionesses de Téranga. The squad, led by head coach Moses Aduku, concluded the second stage of their rigorous training program in Ibadan on Tuesday before making the short trip to the Ogun State capital. This arrival marks the final leg of a multi-city preparation phase that saw the team relocate from Abuja to Ibadan on January 27 to acclimate to the regional climate.
The team enters this weekend’s clash with significant momentum following a successful exhibition match against local domestic competition. During their stay in Ibadan, the Falconets secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) outfit FC Robo in a preparatory friendly, providing the coaching staff with vital insights into the squad’s tactical sharpness. However, despite the successful training stint, the delegation was forced to abandon plans to play the Senegal match at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
Originally slated for the Adamasingba complex in Ibadan, the match was reassigned to Abeokuta due to the deteriorating condition of the playing surface at the previous venue. Football authorities deemed the pitch unsuitable for an international fixture, prompting the swift relocation to ensure the safety of the players and the quality of the game. With the logistical hurdles now resolved, the Falconets have begun their final walk-throughs at their new match site.
The highly anticipated showdown between the two West African rivals is scheduled to commence at 4:00 PM local time this Saturday. Nigerian supporters are expected to turn out in large numbers in Abeokuta to cheer on the national youth side as they look to assert their dominance over the Senegalese visitors.
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