Poland 2026: CAF Okays Abeokuta Venue For Falconets’ Clash With Senegal

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) request for a change of venue for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup third-round, first-leg qualifying match between Nigeria and Senegal.

The encounter, scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026, will now take place at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, Ogun State, instead of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.

Confirming the development, NFF Director of Competitions, Ruth David, said the request became necessary due to the deteriorating condition of the pitch at the Ibadan stadium, which had earlier been approved by CAF.

She explained that although the Lekan Salami Stadium hosted the Falconets’ second-round, second-leg match against Rwanda in September last year, the playing surface has since declined and no longer meets required standards.

Following the approval, the Nigerian U-20 women’s team, currently camped in Ibadan, is expected to relocate to Abeokuta in the coming days to acclimatise to the new venue ahead of the crucial tie.

Nigeria, two-time FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup silver medallists, booked a place in the third round after thrashing Rwanda 5–0 on aggregate in the previous round.

The winner of the Nigeria–Senegal fixture will advance to the final round of the African qualifiers, where they will face the winner of the tie between Guinea-Bissau and Malawi, with a ticket to the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland at stake.

The tournament is scheduled to hold from September 5 to 27, 2026.