League
Falconets departure date for Poland 2026 revealed with scheduled friendlies
Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, will step up preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with high-profile friendly matches against Poland and Korea Republic as head coach Moses Aduku continues to fine-tune his squad for the tournament.
The Falconets, who are currently training in Abuja, are expected to depart Nigeria on August 20 for Poland, where they will continue their preparations ahead of the tournament, scheduled to take place from September 5 to 27.
The planned warm-up matches against tournament hosts Poland and Korea Republic will provide Aduku with valuable opportunities to assess his players against quality opposition. The fixtures will also allow the coach to work on the team’s tactical organisation, physical conditioning and overall match readiness.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group F alongside four-time participants Spain, China PR and tournament debutants New Caledonia.
The Falconets will open their World Cup campaign against Spain at the Arena Sosnowiec on September 7. They will then face China PR on September 10 before rounding off the group stage against New Caledonia on September 13.
The clash with Spain will present an early test for Nigeria, with La Rojita regarded as one of the teams capable of mounting a strong title challenge. Spain reached the quarter-finals of the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia and will be aiming for an improved campaign in Poland.
Nigeria, meanwhile, will be making their 12th appearance at the U-20 Women’s World Cup. The Falconets have consistently been among the tournament’s strongest sides, reaching the final twice and advancing to the quarter-finals on eight occasions in their first 10 appearances, according to FIFA.
Their most recent campaign, at the 2024 tournament in Colombia, ended in the round of 16 after a 2-1 defeat to Japan. Olushola Shobowale scored Nigeria’s late consolation goal after Japan had taken control of the encounter.
With the World Cup fast approaching, the upcoming friendlies in Poland are expected to provide Aduku and his players with crucial competitive tests as they seek to build momentum and arrive at the tournament in peak condition.
