Nigeria’s Falconets aim to make history at 2026 U-20 Women’s World Cup

Nigeria’s Falconets are determined to make a significant impact at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, head coach Moses Aduku says.

The Falconets, who have qualified for every edition of the biennial tournament, will begin their latest campaign against Spain at Arena Sosnowiec on Monday.

Nigeria have been placed in Group F with Spain, China PR and tournament debutants New Caledonia as they attempt to challenge for honours on the international stage.

Aduku said his team’s objective is to go deep into the competition and ensure Nigeria’s latest appearance is remembered for the right reasons.

“We are very prepared. Nigeria has been [here] since the inception of the competition as qualifiers, but this time we want to make a difference,” Aduku told FIFA.

The Falconets are two-time runners-up at the tournament, but have yet to win the title. Aduku said they would approach the group stage with respect for every opponent while remaining focused on securing progress to the knockout rounds.

“We respect all the teams, they are all good teams. But we are here for business. We will take one game at a time and I believe that we will come out from the group.

“The players know that if they do very well, it is a good one for them to cross into the senior national team, so the girls are taking it very seriously.”

The possibility of earning recognition and progressing to Nigeria’s senior national team has provided an additional incentive for the players, according to Aduku.

The Falconets enter the tournament after producing encouraging results during their preparations. They recorded a 1-0 victory over hosts Poland before drawing 1-1 with Korea Republic in their final warm-up match.

Those results have strengthened confidence within the squad ahead of the opening fixture against Spain, although Aduku knows the team faces a demanding group-stage schedule.

Nigeria’s participation carries significance beyond the players and coaching staff, with Aduku aware of the expectations of supporters at home. He believes a successful campaign in Poland would bring considerable happiness to football fans across the country.

“If we do well, it would mean a great thing for Nigeria. Nigerians would be very happy with the team,” he added.

“The players are aware of that, so everybody is working very hard to see that we succeed.”

The Falconets will be aiming to begin their Group F campaign positively when they meet Spain at Arena Sosnowiec on Monday, before facing China PR and New Caledonia.

Nigeria’s consistent qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup underlines the country’s longstanding presence in the competition. This time, Aduku and his players are seeking to turn that regular participation into a memorable run and make what he describes as a difference on the global stage.