Falconets enter Spain opener with confidence after unbeaten World Cup build-up

Nigeria head coach Moses Aduku says the Falconets are ready for their opening Group F match against Spain at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria will begin their campaign in Sosnowiec on Monday, 7 September, having completed their pre-tournament preparations without defeat.

The Falconets drew 1-1 with Korea Republic in a friendly on Tuesday afternoon, following a 1-0 victory against hosts Poland in Brzeg last Friday.

Aduku said he was pleased with the performances in both matches and believes his squad is in strong condition for the tournament. He also confirmed that there are no injury concerns within the team.

“So far, so good. We are done with our friendly games, and for me, we are good. There are no injury worries, and my girls are ready. Therefore, we’re waiting for the 7th against Spain,” Aduku told NFF media.

The draw with Korea Republic brought the Falconets’ warm-up programme to a close, although Aduku felt Nigeria had done enough to claim victory.

The coach said his players missed one or two opportunities but praised Korea Republic for providing a strong test before the competition begins.

“For me, the game was so good. We lost one or two scoring chances to win the game, but all the same, I respect the Korean team. They are also a good side,” he said.

Nigeria’s preparations had started positively with their win over Poland in Brzeg. Together with the draw against Korea Republic, the results have given Aduku confidence that his players are ready for the demands of the World Cup.

The Falconets will now turn their attention fully to their meeting with Spain, with Aduku insisting they will concentrate on each fixture as it comes rather than looking beyond the opening match.

“Yes, we are ready. That’s why we are in Poland. We are here to take one game at a time, and we have no other game but to play against Spain. So, we are ready,” he added.

The Group F fixture offers Nigeria the chance to make an immediate impact at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Aduku’s side will be aiming to begin the tournament with a positive result against Spain after an unbeaten sequence of friendly matches.

The Falconets’ final warm-up, against Korea Republic, ended level at 1-1 on Tuesday afternoon, while their earlier encounter with Poland resulted in a 1-0 Nigerian win last Friday.

With their preparations complete and no injury worries reported, Nigeria will face Spain in Sosnowiec knowing that their first competitive challenge of the tournament is now just days away.

By Adeboye Amosu