The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has shifted the first-leg encounter between the Falconets and Senegal to the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta. Originally slated for the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, the Federation sought an alternative venue after discovering the significant degradation of the playing surface in the Oyo State capital.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) swiftly approved the relocation to ensure the third-round qualifying fixture for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup maintains high competitive standards and player safety.
Head coach Moses Aduku and his squad arrived in Ibadan from their primary training base in Abuja last week to finalize their tactical preparations. Following the official venue change, the team will now travel to Ogun State to begin training sessions at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex. This early relocation allows the players to acclimatize to the local conditions and familiarize themselves with the stadium’s turf ahead of the crucial match. The Falconets currently carry strong momentum into this round after a dominant performance against Rwanda, whom they eliminated with a resounding 5-0 aggregate victory.
NFF officials emphasized that providing the best possible environment for the national youth team remains a top priority as they chase a spot in the global tournament. While Ibadan has traditionally served as a fortress for the team, the current state of the pitch at Adamasinga forced the immediate tactical switch. The Falconets expect to host the Senegalese side next weekend, with the winner of this two-legged tie advancing to the final stage of the African qualifying series for a place at the World Cup in Poland.
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