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Nigeria U-20 Women’s Coach Moses Aduku Confident Ahead of World Cup Qualifier Clash Against Malawi
Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team coach, Moses Aduku, has expressed confidence ahead of Saturday’s first leg of the final round of qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The clash will take place in Ikenne, with expectations high for the Falconets.
Speaking to the media, Aduku emphasized that the team is fully prepared. “No much talk. We are ready. We have been in camp for four weeks, working hard on our tactics and fitness. The girls are good. No injury worries. All of them have been training since day one with good response. Nigerians should expect a good game from us,” he said.
He noted that every match presents a new challenge and acknowledged Malawi’s attacking prowess. “No two games are the same. Malawi scored six goals in their last game. We have watched the game to see their strengths and weaknesses and will work to counter them. We believe we can get a good result.”
Aduku took responsibility for the pressure surrounding the team, shielding his players from undue stress. “The pressure is not on the players. It’s on me. I have been able to take care of pressure. I don’t have fear that the girls will not perform. We just need Nigerians to pray for us and be patient with the team.”
The coach also addressed squad selection, noting flexibility and the absence of certain key players. “This is our third game, and we have not played the same set of players in those games. The technical crew have been able to give them the same mindset. Not just Janet Akekeromowei alone is absent; one or two other players are also not here. We are praying for Janet to recover very fast—maybe before the World Cup, by God’s grace, she will be fit again.”
Aduku appealed to fans for their support and patience. “For the fans at the stadium and those watching online, they should believe in us and pray for us. This team will deliver,” he said.
On Malawi’s team, Aduku said: “They are not a bad team. Honestly, our eyes dey red. We can’t wait for the match to come. We can’t allow them to score a goal here, not to talk of six goals. Today is Workers Day; tomorrow we will give them their parting gift.”
He added that off-field distractions would not derail his team. “When they came, they didn’t want to see us, but we will meet on the field and rub bodies. Those things are just part of the game to distract the team, but we are not distracted at all and are used to it. The noise they were making today will end tomorrow after 90 minutes.”
Saturday’s match promises to be a thrilling encounter as Nigeria looks to assert its dominance and secure a step closer to the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
