Aduku says Falconets are set for U-20 World Cup

Falconets head coach Moses Aduku has said his team is ready for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. This follows Nigeria's 1-1 draw with South Korea in their last warm-up match in Poland on Tuesday.

Aduku mentioned there are no injury issues in his squad. The Falconets have finished their final preparations ahead of their first Group F match against Spain next Monday.

“So far, so good. We are done with our friendly games. For me, we are good. No injury worries. My girls are ready,” Aduku said after the match.

The draw came after Nigeria's 1-0 victory over the hosts, Poland, on Friday in Brzeg. Mary Mamudu scored to give Nigeria the lead in the 29th minute. This followed her earlier goal in the Falconets' earlier match against Poland.

South Korea equalised with a penalty in the 78th minute. Nigeria ended their two-match preparation campaign in Poland with one win and one draw.

Aduku admitted that Nigeria missed opportunities to win the game but praised South Korea for their performance. “It was not a bad game. For me, the game was so good. We lost one or two scoring chances to win the game, but all the same, I respect the Korean team. They are also a good side,” he added.

Goalkeeper Effiong Bright Etim praised her teammates after the match. She spoke about the need to fight until the end. “They played very well, and if I am to rate them, I’ll give them 95 out of 100,” Etim said.

“What I learnt is that we shouldn’t give up, even if we’re leading. We shouldn’t give up, no matter what. Play till the end, that’s what we did.”

The Falconets will now focus on the World Cup. They are in Group F with Spain, China, and New Caledonia. Nigeria will face China in Sosnowiec on Thursday, September 10. They will then head to Łódź to play New Caledonia on Sunday, September 13.