Falconets Face Poland, South Korea in Final World Cup Tune-Up

Falconets Face Poland, South Korea in Final World Cup Tune-Up

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria’s U20 Women’s National Team, the Falconets, have settled into their training camp in Trzebnica, Poland, as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, BSNSport.com.ng reports.

The two-time runners-up began their training programme on Wednesday at the Stadion Miejski, Fair Play Arena, with Head Coach Moses Aduku and his technical crew putting the players through their paces.

Having arrived in Poland on Tuesday, the Falconets quickly switched their attention to preparations for the global tournament, working on tactical organisation, technical execution, physical conditioning and team cohesion.

As part of their final build-up, Nigeria will play two international friendly matches against Poland and South Korea.

The Falconets will face hosts Poland on Friday, August 28, at the Municipal Stadium in Brzeg, with kick-off scheduled for 12 noon local time. They will then take on South Korea on Tuesday, September 1, at the Remes Resort & Spa Football Stadium, where the match will begin at 4pm local time.

The two fixtures are expected to provide valuable tests for Aduku’s side ahead of the tournament. They will also allow the coaching crew to assess the players, fine-tune their tactical approach and expose the team to different styles of play before the competition begins.

The friendlies will further give the players an opportunity to acclimatise to the conditions in Poland and adapt to the pace and intensity of international football.

Captain Joy Igbokwe and defender Faridat Abdulwahab were unable to secure visas for the tournament and have consequently been replaced in the squad by Vivian Kachi and Alaba Olabiyi.

Aduku and his assistants have continued to demand maximum commitment from the players as they work to build a competitive side capable of mounting a serious challenge for the title.

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

The Falconets will begin their campaign against Spain on September 7 before facing China PR on September 10. Their final group-stage fixture will be against New Caledonia on September 13.

Nigeria finished runners-up at the 2010 and 2014 editions of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. Having twice come within reach of the title, the Falconets will be hoping to finally break the jinx and secure Nigeria’s first-ever triumph in the competition.

With the World Cup fast approaching, the remaining days in Poland will be crucial as Aduku’s team seeks to perfect its tactics, strengthen team chemistry and build momentum for the global tournament.