Nigeria’s U20 Women’s National Team, the Falconets World Cup squad, departed Nigeria for Poland without three players, including captain Joy Igbokwe, on the night of Monday, 24th August 2026.
Despite her uncertainty about traveling for the FIFA Women’s U20 World Cup, Joy Igbokwe assured Nigerians of the team’s determination to make the country proud.
She appealed to Nigerians to continue believing in, praying for, and supporting the team, saying the Falconets desire to bring smiles to Nigerians.
How Falconets Qualified
The two-time World Cup silver medallists secured their spot at the global tournament following a dominant qualifying campaign against Rwanda, Senegal, and Malawi:
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Rwanda: 5–0 win on aggregate
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Senegal: 3–1 win on aggregate
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Malawi: 3–2 win on aggregate to lock in qualification
Head Coach Moses Aduku expressed confidence in the squad, saying the players have been adequately prepared both physically and mentally and are ready to compete at the highest level.
He added that the Falconets are heading to Poland with a strong winning mentality and the ambition of challenging for the trophy.
Falconets World Cup Squad Schedule and Fixtures
Nigeria has been drawn into Group F alongside Spain, China PR, and New Caledonia. The squad will set up base at the Hotel Trzebnica in Trzebnica from their arrival on Tuesday, 25th August until Thursday, 3rd September, before moving into official FIFA accommodations.
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September 7: vs. Spain
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September 10: vs. China PR
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September 13: vs. New Caledonia
Nigeria, runners-up of the 2010 and 2014 editions of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, will seek to go a step further in Poland and win the country’s first title in the competition.
A total of 21 players will fly Nigeria’s flag at the competition, with Nigeria the only African country to have appeared at every edition of the competition since it began as an U19 tournament in Canada 24 years ago.
Falconets World Cup Squad
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Goalkeepers & Defenders: Christiana Uzoma, Jane Ijirigho, Ramotalahi Kareem, Queen Joseph, Favour Nkwocha, Rebecca Adegbemile, Joy Igbokwe, Faridat Abdulwahab
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Midfielders & Forwards: Precious Oscar, Tumininu Adeshina, Bright Etim, Onyedikachi Ekezie, Victory Lucky, Mary Mamudu, Hannah Ibrahim, Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei, Amber Ogbolu, Winner David, Chisom Nwachukwu, Jumai Adebayo
