FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers: Nigeria’s Falconets to face Burundi in Dar es Salaam

FIFA has announced a venue change for the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round, first leg match between Nigeria’s Falconets and Burundi.

The match, initially scheduled to take place in Bujumbura, has been moved to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, as FIFA has deemed the pitch in Bujumbura unfit for hosting.

This adjustment comes as part of the preparations for the expanded FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, now featuring a 24-team tournament.

Two additional slots have been granted to Africa, and the match between Nigeria and Burundi will determine one of the teams to secure a ticket to Colombia.

The Falconets, who previously played a 1-1 draw with Tanzania in Dar es Salaam, will return to the Azam Stadium Complex for the first leg against Burundi.

The match is scheduled for Sunday, January 14, 2024, with South African referee Nonjabulo Nonhle Ndlela leading the officiating team.

The return leg will take place at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Saturday, January 20, 2024. Tunisian official Asma Chouchane will be the referee for the return leg, with training sessions for the first leg set to commence on December 28, 2023.

All 25 players invited by Head Coach Chris Musa Danjuma are expected to arrive in Abuja on December 27, 2023, to begin preparations for this crucial qualifying fixture.

The winner over the two legs will secure a coveted spot in the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.