Nigeria’s Falconets will depart Abuja on Monday night, August 24, for Poland, where they will begin their quest for a historic first FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title, Trybal News reports.
The two-time runners-up have completed their final preparations in Abuja ahead of the 2026 tournament, with Head Coach Moses Aduku expressing confidence that his squad is physically, tactically and mentally ready for the challenge ahead.
Nigeria booked its place in Poland after a convincing qualifying campaign, defeating Rwanda 5–0 on aggregate, Senegal 3–1 and Malawi 3–2 to secure their ticket to the global finals.
The Falconets have been drawn in Group F, where they will face Spain, China PR and New Caledonia. Their campaign begins against Spain on September 7, followed by China on September 10 and New Caledonia on September 13.
Speaking ahead of the team’s departure, Aduku said the players have developed a strong winning mentality and are determined to compete for the trophy.
Captain Joy Igbokwe echoed that confidence, calling on Nigerians to continue supporting and praying for the team.
We want to make Nigeria proud and bring smiles to the faces of Nigerians,” was the message from the Falconets as they prepared to embark on their journey.
Upon arrival in Poland on Tuesday, August 25, the team will be based at Hotel Trzebnica in Trzebnica until September 3 before moving into the official FIFA hotel. The period will allow the squad to acclimatise while completing their final tactical and technical preparations.
Nigeria holds a unique record at the competition, having appeared at every edition since the tournament was introduced as an U19 championship in Canada 24 years ago. The Falconets finished runners-up in 2010 and 2014, and will now attempt to finally convert their long-standing pedigree into a world title.
A squad of 21 players will carry Nigeria’s hopes in Poland, with the Falconets aiming to make history and bring home the country’s first FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup crown.
Falconets Squad for 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.
