Falconets Depart for Poland With 21-Player Squad for U20 Women’s World Cup

Posted : 25 August 2026

Nigeria’s Falconets have departed Abuja for Poland ahead of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, with head coach Moses Aduku taking a 21-player squad to the tournament. The team left Nigeria on Monday night after completing their final preparations in Abuja.

The squad includes captain Joy Igbokwe of Nasarawa Amazons and Benfica striker Janet Akekoromowei. Precious Oscar, who scored Nigeria’s decisive away goal against Malawi in the final qualifying round, is also part of the travelling group.

Nigeria secured their place in Poland after surviving a difficult final qualifying tie against Malawi. The Falconets won the first leg 2-0 in Ikenne before losing the return match 2-1 in Lilongwe, advancing 3-2 on aggregate. Oscar’s second-half goal in Malawi proved decisive.

The qualification extended Nigeria’s remarkable record at the competition. The Falconets remain the only African team to have appeared at every edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 2002. FIFA also lists Nigeria alongside Brazil and the United States as the only three nations to have featured at every edition.

Nigeria have twice reached the final but are yet to lift the trophy. They finished runners-up in 2010 and 2014, while their most recent campaign in 2024 ended in the Round of 16 after a 2-1 defeat to Japan. The Falconets will therefore arrive in Poland with the opportunity to turn their consistent record into a first world title.

The 2026 tournament will run from September 5 to 27 across four Polish cities. Nigeria have been drawn in Group F with European champions Spain, China PR and debutants New Caledonia.

The Falconets will open their campaign against Spain on September 7 before facing China two days later on September 10. Their final group fixture against New Caledonia is scheduled for September 13.

Aduku has urged his players to approach the tournament with a winning mentality. The coach said the team has worked on physical fitness, tactical discipline, teamwork and mental readiness during the final camp in Abuja.

The squad will stay in Trzebnica after arriving in Poland on Tuesday. Nigeria will remain there until September 3 before moving into the FIFA hotel as the team completes its final preparations and acclimatisation ahead of the group stage.

With a blend of players from leading Nigerian clubs and overseas football, the Falconets will now turn their attention to Spain and the demanding group-stage schedule. Their objective is clear: progress deep into the competition and finally claim the world title that has eluded Nigeria despite two final appearances.

Falconets Depart for Poland With 21-Player Squad for U20 Women’s World Cup

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