Poland 2026: Falconets Depart Abuja, Target First U20 World Cup Trophy

Poland 2026: Falconets Depart Abuja, Target First U20 World Cup Trophy

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria’s U20 Women’s National Team, the Falconets, have departed Abuja for Poland on Monday night as they begin their final journey towards the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

The two-time runners-up have completed their final phase of preparations in Abuja, with Head Coach Moses Aduku and his technical crew focusing on fitness, tactical discipline, teamwork and mental readiness ahead of the global tournament.

The Falconets secured their place at the World Cup after overcoming Rwanda, Senegal and Malawi during the African qualifiers. Nigeria defeated Rwanda 5–0 on aggregate, edged Senegal 3–1 on aggregate and booked their place in Poland with a 3–2 aggregate victory over Malawi.

Aduku expressed confidence in his players, insisting that the squad is physically and mentally prepared for the challenge ahead.

The coach said the team would travel to Poland with a strong winning mentality and the ambition of competing for the championship.

Captain Joy Igbokwe, meanwhile, called on Nigerians to continue supporting the team throughout the tournament.

Igbokwe assured Nigerians that the players were determined to represent the country with distinction and make the nation proud.

The Falconets have been drawn in Group F alongside European powerhouse Spain, China PR and New Caledonia.

Nigeria finished as runners-up at the 2010 and 2014 editions of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup and will be hoping to go one step further in Poland by winning the country’s first title in the competition.

Upon arrival in Poland on Tuesday, August 25, the team will be accommodated at Hotel Trzebnica in Trzebnica until September 3, when they will move into the designated FIFA hotel.

The period at Hotel Trzebnica will provide the Falconets with an opportunity to fine-tune their tactical and technical preparations while acclimatising to the Polish environment ahead of their Group F fixtures.

Nigeria will open its campaign against Spain on September 7 before facing China PR on September 10 and New Caledonia on September 13.

A total of 21 players have been selected to represent Nigeria at the tournament. The Falconets also retain a remarkable record as the only African team to have featured at every edition of the competition since it was introduced 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 and Jumai Adebayo.