Falconets Arrive Poland, Target First U-20 Women’s World Cup Title

Nigeria’s Falconets have arrived in Poland for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with one clear objective — to finally win the title after twice finishing runners-up.

Nigeria lost to Germany in the 2010 and 2014 finals, coming agonisingly close to claiming its first championship.

The Falconets qualified for the 2026 tournament after overcoming Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate, Senegal 3-1 and Malawi 3-2 over two legs. Their qualification also extended Nigeria’s record of appearing in every edition of the U-20 Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 2002.

Only Nigeria, the United States and Brazil have featured in every edition of the tournament.

Moses Aduku’s team intensified preparations in Abuja before travelling to Europe, where they defeated hosts Poland 1-0 and drew 1-1 with South Korea in their final warm-up matches.

“We are good; no injury worries. My girls are ready. We are here to take it one game at a time,” Aduku said ahead of the tournament.

The 21-player squad features domestic and international talents, including Queen Joseph and SL Benfica forward Janet Akekoromowei.

Newly appointed captain Christiana Uzoma will lead the team following visa complications that ruled out original captain Joy Igbokwe and defender Farida Abdulwahab.

Seventeen-year-old forward Precious Oscar is also expected to attract attention after FIFA named her among the tournament’s players to watch. Oscar scored the decisive goal against Malawi that secured Nigeria’s qualification.

The Falconets will begin their campaign against Spain on Monday, September 7, before facing China on September 10 and New Caledonia on September 13 in Group F.

After two final defeats, Nigeria will be hoping the Poland tournament finally provides the breakthrough and delivers the Falconets’ long-awaited FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title.