By Eniola Olatunji, reporting for Patmos Media Line
NIGERIA’s U20 Women’s National Team, the Falconets, Monday night departed Nigeria for Poland after they had initial visa hitches to be at the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
The two-time World Cup silver medallists secured their place at the global tournament following a successful qualifying campaign against Rwanda, Senegal and Malawi.
They defeated Rwanda 5–0 on aggregate, overcame Senegal 3–1 on aggregate, and sealed their World Cup ticket against Malawi with a 3–2 aggregate victory at the African qualifiers.
Following their qualification, the team embarked on an intensive final phase of preparation in Abuja, with emphasis on physical fitness, tactical discipline, teamwork and mental readiness.
Head Coach, Moses Aduku expressed confidence in the squad, saying the players have been adequately prepared both physically and mentally and are ready to compete at the highest level. He added that the Falconets are heading 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 appealed to Nigerians to continue believing in, praying for and supporting the team, saying the Falconets are determined to bring smiles to the faces of Nigerians.
The Falconets will compete in Group F alongside Spain, China PR and New Caledonia at the tournament.
Nigeria, runners-up of the 2010 and 2014 editions of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, will be seeking to go a step further in Poland and win the country’s first title in the competition.
The team will stay at the Hotel Trzebnica in the city of Trzebnica from their arrival on Tuesday, 25th August until Thursday, 3rd September, when they will move into the FIFA hotel. While at the Hotel Trzebnica, the Falconets will perfect their tactical and technical readiness for the championship, and also acclimatize ahead of their Group F games against Spain (7th September), China (10th September) and New Caledonia (13th September).
A total of 21 players will fly Nigeria’s flag at the competition, with Nigeria the only African country to have appeared at every edition of the competition since it was launched as an U19 tournament in Canada 24 years ago.
The players are 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.
Nigeria had a visa hitch that disrupted plans to play some pre tournament games in Poland. It has become Perpetual diplomatic headaches for Poland to cause hitches for every Nigerian sporting teams that Qualifies For competitions in Poland.
Nigerian lethal striker, Janet Akokoromowei who now plays for SL Benefica of Portugal was initially denied a release to wear Nigeria’s colours in Poland by her club until there was an intervention by FIFA after Janet begged to show case her talent at the world stage. Benefica changed their stand and released her to be at the mundial.
The 18 year old last born of the family girl hails from Ese Odo in Ondo State but grew up in Lagos where she attended Police Children’s School and later Command Secondary school in Lagos. She had been playing for Balyesa Queens FC in Nigeria before signing for SL Benefica.
#FIFA #2026WORLDU20FEMALECUP
#CAF #NFF #SLBENEFICA
#BALYESAQUEENS #FALCONETS.
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