Falconets depart for Poland, set sights on World Cup glory – Continental News

Nigeria’s U20 Women’s National Team, the Falconets, will depart the country on Monday night, 24 August 2026, for Poland, where they will compete at the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.

The two-time World Cup silver medallists secured their place at the global showpiece after an impressive qualifying campaign, defeating Rwanda 5–0 on aggregate, overcoming Senegal 3–1 on aggregate, and edging Malawi 3–2 on aggregate to book their ticket to Poland.

Following their qualification, the Falconets embarked on an intensive final camping programme in Abuja, with the technical crew focusing on physical conditioning, tactical discipline, teamwork and mental preparation ahead of the tournament.

Head Coach Moses Aduku expressed confidence in the squad, saying the players are physically and mentally prepared to compete at the highest level. He added that the team is travelling to Poland with a strong winning mentality and the ambition of challenging for the trophy.

Captain Joy Igbokwe also assured Nigerians of the team’s determination to make the country proud. She called on Nigerians to continue to believe in, pray for and support the team, stressing that the players are determined to bring smiles to the faces of their compatriots.

The Falconets have been drawn in Group F alongside Spain, China PR and New Caledonia. Nigeria will open its campaign against Spain on 7 September, face China on 10 September and conclude the group stage against New Caledonia on 13 September.

Runners-up at the 2010 and 2014 editions, Nigeria will be seeking to go one step further in Poland and win its first-ever FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup title.

Upon arrival in Poland on Tuesday, 25 August, the team will be accommodated at Hotel Trzebnica in Trzebnica until 3 September, when they will move into the official FIFA hotel. The period will provide the Falconets with an opportunity to fine-tune their tactical and technical preparations while acclimatising to the local conditions.

A total of 21 players will represent Nigeria at the tournament, with the country remaining the only African nation to have featured at every edition of the competition since its inception as an U19 tournament in Canada 24 years ago.

FALCONETS SQUAD FOR FIFA U20 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP POLAND 2026

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, Jumai Adebayo.