Falconets settle in Katowice as World Cup preparations near Spain opener

Nigeria’s Falconets have moved to Katowice for the final stage of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, with their opening Group F match against Spain now approaching.

The team arrived in the Polish city on Thursday after leaving their training base in Trzebnica. They have checked into the Novotel Katowice Centrum ahead of Monday’s meeting with Spain.

Head coach Moses Aduku and his technical crew used the Falconets’ 10-day stay in Trzebnica to work on the squad’s tactical organisation, technical execution, physical conditioning and overall cohesion.

The camp also gave the players time to adjust to conditions in Poland and build their match fitness before the tournament begins.

Nigeria played two international friendly matches during the training period, facing the host nation Poland and Korea Republic as part of their preparations.

The Falconets recorded a 1-0 victory over Poland last Friday, with Mary Mamudu scoring the only goal in the first half. Mamudu was also on target in the team’s final warm-up match, a 1-1 draw with Korea Republic on Tuesday.

Those fixtures allowed the coaching staff to test the squad against different opposition while continuing to refine their plans for the World Cup.

With the Trzebnica camp now complete, the team’s focus has switched fully to their Group F opener against Spain in Katowice.

Nigeria will then face China PR on September 10 before completing their group-stage schedule against New Caledonia on September 13.

The Falconets’ Group F campaign will therefore begin with Spain before successive fixtures against China PR and New Caledonia, as they seek to make a strong start to their tournament in Poland.

Aduku’s side enter the final days of preparation having experienced victory and a draw in their two warm-up games. The win against Poland provided a positive result against the tournament hosts, while the draw with Korea Republic offered a final opportunity to assess the squad before competitive action begins.

Their arrival in Katowice marks the end of the initial training phase in Trzebnica and the start of the tournament-specific build-up to Monday’s contest.

The Falconets will meet Spain first, with China PR and New Caledonia waiting in the remainder of a Group F schedule that will determine which teams progress from the section.