Falconets Draw Confidence From Ambassador’s Support Ahead China Clash

Posted : 10 September 2026

Nigeria’s Falconets have received a timely morale boost from the country’s Ambassador to Poland, Chioma Ohakim Esq, ahead of their crucial FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Group F encounter with China.

Ohakim watched Nigeria’s 0-2 defeat by Spain in their opening match at the Stadion Sosnowiec on Monday and, rather than allow the result to dampen the team’s spirit, immediately rallied the players and technical crew.

The Ambassador, accompanied by officials of the Nigerian Mission in Poland, offered her support throughout the encounter before meeting with the players after the final whistle.

She encouraged the Falconets to put the defeat behind them and concentrate on the task ahead, reminding them that their performance against the 2022 champions contained positives.

In a gesture aimed at making the players feel at home, Ohakim also brought Nigerian food for the team, helping to lift their mood as they prepare for another demanding Group F fixture.

Her intervention has provided an important emotional lift for the two-time silver-medallists, who must now respond positively against a confident Chinese side.

China opened their campaign in emphatic fashion, thrashing New Caledonia 5-0 to move to the top of Group F ahead of Spain on goal difference.

The Falconets will return to the Stadion Sosnowiec for the second time when they confront China in a match that could prove decisive in their bid to progress from the group.

Nigeria and China have met twice at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals.

China defeated Nigeria 3-0 in a 2006 group-stage encounter in Russia, the tournament at which the competition adopted the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup name after the first two editions were staged as the FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship.

Their second meeting came in 2018 in France, where Nigeria secured a 1-1 draw after a late own goal by a Chinese defender, a result that helped the Falconets advance to the quarter-finals.

Coach Moses Aduku said the team had moved on from the opening defeat and was fully focused on securing a positive result against China.

“We have put the match against Spain behind us and are focusing totally on the clash with China. The players are ready to come out stronger for the match against China,” Aduku said.

The Falconets will therefore be hoping to translate the renewed confidence and support into a strong performance when they face China.

Falconets Draw Confidence From Ambassador’s Support Ahead China Clash

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