The Falconets of Nigeria secured a valuable 1-0 first-leg victory against Senegal in a fiercely contested FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifier, at the MKO Abiola Stadium Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The hosts started brightly and had an early goal ruled out, but Senegal remained resilient and organised until half-time.
The breakthrough arrived in the 50th minute when Kindness Chinaza Ifeanyi powered home a header from a corner kick.
Nigeria continued to threaten from set pieces but were unable to extend their lead, leaving Senegal still firmly in contention ahead of the second leg.
The second legs of the qualifiers are scheduled to begin from 13 February, with places at the World Cup finals still very much up for grabs.