Falconets Captain Joy Igbokwe Declares Senegal Cannot Halt Nigeria's World Cup Ambition
Falconets captain, Joy Igbokwe, has voiced unwavering confidence as Nigeria prepares for a pivotal showdown against Senegal in the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup qualifiers. The Nigerian team is set to host Senegal in the first leg of the third qualifying round at the iconic Moshood Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta on Saturday, February 7.
Determination to Secure World Cup Berth
Igbokwe emphasized that the Falconets are laser-focused on clinching another appearance at the World Cup, drawing motivation from the team's consistent track record on the global stage. This history of success fuels their resolve to qualify for Poland 2026.
"Our ambition is to qualify for the World Cup again, and I don't see Senegal stopping us, even though we are not underestimating them," Igbokwe stated in an interview with Completesports.com.
Hard Work and Fan Support as Key Drivers
The captain highlighted the immense effort the team has invested to reach this critical juncture, stressing that they cannot afford to lose focus now. "We have worked very hard to get here, and we can't afford to let that work go to waste," she remarked.
Igbokwe also underscored the importance of not disappointing the fans, who have shown unwavering belief and support. "It's crucial that we don't disappoint our fans, who have backed us so strongly," she added, calling on supporters to turn out in large numbers and rally behind the team as they have in past matches.
Road to the Qualifiers
Nigeria earned their spot in this round with a commanding 4-0 aggregate victory over Rwanda, showcasing their dominance. Meanwhile, Senegal secured their place by narrowly edging past Algeria in a hard-fought contest.
The aggregate winner of this tie will advance to the final qualifying round, where they will face either Guinea-Bissau or Malawi. The ultimate prize is a coveted spot at the Poland 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.
With Igbokwe's leadership and the team's collective drive, Nigeria aims to continue their legacy in women's football and make their nation proud on the international stage.
