We are going to Poland with a strong winning mentality. Our ambition is to challenge for the trophy, and we believe we have what it takes to do well
By Moses Okorie
Head Coach of Nigeria’s Under-20 Women’s National Team, Moses Aduku, has charged the Falconets to remain focused and maintain a strong winning mentality as they depart for Poland for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Aduku gave the charge as the team rounded off its final camping and preparations in Abuja ahead of its scheduled departure for Poland on Monday night.
The Director of Media and Communications of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.
The coach said the players had been adequately prepared both physically and mentally and were ready to compete against the best teams in the world.
“The girls have been adequately prepared, both physically and mentally. They are ready to compete at the highest level.
“We are going to Poland with a strong winning mentality. Our ambition is to challenge for the trophy, and we believe we have what it takes to do well,” Aduku said.
The Falconets secured their place at the global tournament after an impressive qualifying campaign that saw them overcome Rwanda, Senegal and Malawi.
Nigeria defeated Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate, edged Senegal 3-1 on aggregate, before securing the final ticket with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Malawi.
Following their qualification, the team embarked on an intensive final phase of preparations in Abuja, with emphasis on physical conditioning, tactical discipline, teamwork and mental readiness.
Captain Joy Igbokwe also assured Nigerians that the team was determined to deliver a strong performance and make the country proud.
“We are determined to make Nigeria proud and bring smiles to the faces of Nigerians.
“We appeal to Nigerians to continue believing in us, praying for us and supporting us throughout the tournament. We will give our best on the pitch,” she said.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group F alongside Spain, China PR and New Caledonia.
The Falconets, who finished as runners-up at the 2010 and 2014 editions of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, will be hoping to go one step further in Poland and claim Nigeria’s first title in the competition.
Upon arrival in Poland on Tuesday, the team will stay at Hotel Trzebnica in Trzebnica until Thursday, September 3, when they will move into the official FIFA hotel.
The period at Hotel Trzebnica will allow the team to fine-tune its tactical and technical preparations while acclimatising to the environment ahead of its Group F fixtures.
Nigeria will face Spain on September 7, China PR on September 10 and New Caledonia on September 13.
A total of 21 players will represent Nigeria at the tournament. The country remains the only African nation to have participated in every edition of the competition since it began as an Under-19 tournament in Canada 24 years ago.
Falconets Squad
Christiana Uzoma, Jane Ijirigho, Ramotalahi Kareem, Queen Joseph, Favour Nkwocha, Rebecca Adegbemile, Joy Igbokwe, Faridat Abdulwahab, Precious Oscar, Tamininu Adeshina, Bright Etim, Onyedikachi Ekezie, Victory Lucky, Mary Mamudu, Hannah Ibrahm, Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei, Amber Ogbolu, Winner David, Chisom Nwachukwu and Jumai Adebayo.