Nigeria’s Falconets set for historic World Cup milestone in Poland

Nigeria’s Falconets are set to make history when they compete at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland next month.

The tournament will mark Nigeria’s 12th consecutive appearance at the competition, extending a record shared only with Brazil and the United States.

The three nations have featured in every previous edition, including the early tournaments staged as the FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship.

The Falconets will be aiming to improve on their previous best performances, having finished runners-up in 2010 and 2014 and reached the semi-finals in 2012.

Falconets begin final preparations

Moses Aduku’s side left Abuja on Monday after several weeks of preparation ahead of the tournament, which runs from 5 to 27 September.

Nigeria will complete part of their preparations in Poland, where they are scheduled to play friendly matches against hosts Poland and Korea Republic.

The fixtures will give Aduku an opportunity to assess his squad against international opposition before the tournament begins.

Nigeria secured qualification after navigating a difficult African campaign. The Falconets defeated Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate before edging Senegal 3-2 and then overcoming Malawi 3-2 on aggregate in the final qualifying round.

They lost 2-1 to Malawi in the second leg in Lilongwe but progressed after winning the first meeting 2-0 in Ikenne.

Spain provide opening test

Nigeria have been drawn in Group F alongside Spain, China PR and New Caledonia.

The Falconets will begin their campaign against Spain at Arena Sosnowiec on 7 September before facing China PR three days later at the same venue.

Their final group fixture will be against New Caledonia at Stadion Miejski ŁKS in Łódź on 13 September.

Spain are expected to provide the toughest challenge in the group after winning the 2026 UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship.

The Falconets will also renew acquaintances with Korea Republic during their preparations. Nigeria defeated the Asian side 1-0 at the 2024 U-20 Women’s World Cup, with Flourish Sabastine scoring the decisive goal.

Nigeria eventually reached the round of 16 in Colombia before losing to Japan. Their latest campaign now offers another opportunity to challenge for a first U-20 Women’s World Cup title while extending their remarkable record of participation.