Falconets Set for Poland as They Aim for Glory in U20 Women’s World Cup

Nigeria’s U20 women’s team, the Falconets, will leave for Poland on Monday night for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.

The two-time finalists have wrapped up their final training in Abuja and are ready to kick off their journey at the global tournament.

Nigeria qualified after beating Rwanda, Senegal, and Malawi during the African qualifiers.

The Falconets won against Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate, defeated Senegal 3-1 on aggregate and narrowly beat Malawi 3-2 on aggregate to secure their spot at the tournament.

After qualifying, the team began an intense training camp in Abuja. They focused on fitness, tactics, teamwork, and mental readiness.

Head coach Moses Aduku said the players are both physically and mentally ready for the challenge in Poland.

He stated that the Falconets would enter the tournament with a winning mindset and the goal to compete for the title.

Captain Joy Igbokwe also showed confidence in the team. She called on Nigerians to support the players throughout the competition.

Igbokwe encouraged everyone to keep praying for the team, promising that they would do their best to make the country proud.

The Falconets have been placed in Group F with Spain, China PR, and New Caledonia.

Nigeria will start their campaign against Spain on September 7, then face China on September 10, and New Caledonia on September 13.

The Falconets will first stay at Hotel Trzebnica in Trzebnica from their arrival in Poland on Tuesday, August 25, until September 3. After that, they will move to the FIFA hotel.

During their time in Trzebnica, the team will finalize their tactical and technical preparations while getting used to the conditions before their group matches.

Nigeria was the runner-up in the 2010 and 2014 tournaments and will aim to win the title for the first time in Poland.

Nigeria is also the only African country that has participated in every edition of the tournament since it started as an U19 event in Canada 24 years ago.

Twenty-one players will represent Nigeria at the tournament.