FALCONETS SET SIGHTS ON STRONG WORLD CUP CAMPAIGN IN POLAND

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have expressed their determination to deliver a strong performance and make the country proud at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

The team is scheduled to depart Nigeria for Poland as preparations for the tournament enter their final stage. The Falconets recently completed their final training camp in Abuja, where attention was placed on fitness, tactical organisation, teamwork and mental preparation.

Captain Joy Igbokwe said the players are fully aware of the expectations surrounding the team and are determined to represent Nigeria with pride on the global stage.

She appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the squad through their prayers and encouragement, assuring them that the players would give their best throughout the competition.

The Falconets secured their place at the tournament after overcoming several opponents during the African qualifying series. Nigeria defeated Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate, eliminated Senegal 3-1 on aggregate and eventually overcame Malawi 3-2 on aggregate to book their ticket to Poland.

The team subsequently intensified preparations in Abuja, with the technical crew working on different aspects of the squad's game ahead of the tournament.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group F alongside Spain, China and New Caledonia, setting up a demanding group-stage campaign for the young Nigerians.

The Falconets will be looking to build on Nigeria's strong history in the competition. The team has twice finished as runners-up at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, in 2010 and 2014, and will be aiming to go a step further this time by challenging for the title.

With the tournament approaching, the players have continued to emphasise their readiness to compete against some of the world's best young women's teams.

The team's management and supporters will also hope that the squad's final preparations translate into a successful campaign when the competition begins in Poland.

For the Falconets, the tournament represents another opportunity to showcase Nigeria's talent in women's football and give supporters at home something to celebrate. The players have therefore promised to fight for every result and carry the country's hopes with them throughout the competition.