Falconets Replace Igbokwe, Abdulwahab Ahead of U-20 World Cup

Posted : 27 August 2026

Nigeria’s Falconets have made two changes to their squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. Captain Joy Igbokwe and defender Faridat Abdulwahab have been replaced after failing to secure visas for the tournament.

Vivian Kachi and Alaba Olabiyi have been called up as replacements. Both players have now joined the squad in Poland as head coach Moses Aduku continues preparations for the global tournament.

The changes come only days after Nigeria departed for Poland with a 21-player squad. The Falconets arrived in Trzebnica on Tuesday and began their training programme at the Stadion Miejski, Fair Play Arena, on Wednesday.

The technical crew is working on tactical organisation, technical execution, physical conditioning and team cohesion. The preparations are also aimed at helping the players adapt to the conditions and demands of playing in Poland.

Aduku's team will have two friendly matches before the tournament begins. Nigeria will face hosts Poland on Friday, August 28, at the Municipal Stadium in Brzeg before taking on South Korea on September 1 at the Remes Resort & Spa Football Stadium.

The friendlies will provide important opportunities for the coaching staff to assess the revised squad. They will also allow the Falconets to test themselves against different styles before the competitive action begins.

Nigeria qualified for the World Cup after defeating Malawi 3-2 on aggregate in the final qualifying round. The Falconets won the first leg 2-0 in Ikenne before losing the return fixture 2-1 in Lilongwe to secure their place at the finals.

The Falconets have an outstanding record in the competition. Nigeria remain the only African country to have appeared at every edition of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup since the tournament began in 2002.

The team has also finished as runners-up twice, in 2010 and 2014. Nigeria will now attempt to go one step further in Poland and claim their first title at the tournament.

The Falconets are drawn in Group F alongside Spain, China PR and New Caledonia. They will open their campaign against Spain on September 7, face China PR on September 10 and complete the group stage against New Caledonia on September 13.

The replacement of two players, including the original captain, adds another challenge to Aduku's preparations. The coaching staff must now integrate Kachi and Olabiyi quickly as Nigeria build towards their opening World Cup fixture.

Falconets Replace Igbokwe, Abdulwahab Ahead of U-20 World Cup

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics