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 comes after Nigeria ended their final preparations with a 1-1 draw against South Korea in Poland on Tuesday.

With the World Cup just days away, Aduku is pleased with how the team has prepared. He confirmed that there are no injury issues in the squad 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, we are waiting for the 7th against Spain,” Aduku said after the match.

The Falconets started their preparation with a 1-0 win over hosts Poland in Brzeg on Friday, before drawing with South Korea.

Mary Mamudu scored again for Nigeria, netting the first goal in the 29th minute. She also scored the only goal in the win against Poland.

However, South Korea equalized with a penalty in the 78th minute. This meant Nigeria finished their warm-up campaign with one win and one draw.

Despite the result, Aduku was happy with the overall performance. He felt the Falconets could have won if they had taken their chances better.

“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.

Aduku also mentioned that his team will focus on one game at a time during the tournament.

“We are here to take it one game at a time, with the Spanish team first on Monday,” he concluded.

Goalkeeper Effiong Bright Etim praised her teammates and stressed the need to stay focused and fight until the final whistle.

“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 are now fully focused on the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. They are in Group F with Spain, China, and New Caledonia.

Nigeria will kick off their campaign against Spain next Monday. They will then face China in Sosnowiec on Thursday, September 10.

Finally, the Falconets will travel to Łódź for their last group-stage match against New Caledonia on Sunday, September 13.

With their two warm-up games done and no injury worries, Aduku’s team is ready to start strong in a tough Group F.