By Peter Omopo
Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have departed the country for Poland ahead of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, with the team aiming to win the competition for the first time.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Communications Department confirmed on Monday that the squad had completed its final phase of preparations in Abuja before travelling to Poland.
The Falconets booked their place at the tournament after an impressive qualifying campaign that saw them overcome Rwanda, Senegal and Malawi. Nigeria defeated Rwanda 5–0 on aggregate, overcame Senegal 3–1 on aggregate and edged Malawi 3–2 on aggregate to secure qualification.
Their final training camp in Abuja focused on physical conditioning, tactical organisation, teamwork and mental preparation as the team intensified its preparations for the global tournament.
Head coach Moses Aduku expressed confidence in the squad, saying the Falconets were travelling with a strong winning mentality and a clear ambition to challenge for the title.
Captain Joy Igbokwe also called on Nigerians to continue supporting the team, urging fans to believe in and pray for the players as they seek to make the country proud.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group F alongside Spain, China PR and New Caledonia.
The Falconets have twice finished runners-up at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, losing in the final in 2010 and 2014. They will now seek to go one step further and secure Nigeria’s first title in the competition.
The team is expected to arrive in Poland on Tuesday, August 25, where it will initially be accommodated at Hotel Trzebnica in Trzebnica until September 3 before moving to the official FIFA hotel.
While in Trzebnica, the squad will continue its tactical and technical preparations while adjusting to the local conditions ahead of its opening group match.
Nigeria will begin its campaign against Spain on September 7, before facing China on September 10 and New Caledonia on September 13.
A 21-player squad will represent Nigeria at the tournament. The country also maintains its remarkable record of being the only African nation to have featured in every edition of the competition, dating back to its inaugural staging as an U19 tournament in Canada 24 years ago.
The travelling squad comprises Christiana Uzoma, Jane Ijirigho, Ramotalahi Kareem, Queen Joseph, Favour Nkwocha, Rebecca Adegbemile, Joy Igbokwe, Faridat Abdulwahab, Precious Oscar, Tumininu Adeshina, Bright Etim, Onyedikachi Ekezie, Victory Lucky, Mary Mamudu, Hannah Ibrahm, Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei, Amber Ogbolu, Winner David, Chisom Nwachukwu and Jumai Adebayo.
