Falconets Step Up World Cup Preparations In Poland

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have intensified preparations for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup after settling into their training camp in Trzebnica, Poland.

The two-time finalists began training on Wednesday at the Stadion Miejski, Fair Play Arena, with head coach Moses Aduku and his technical crew demanding high levels of focus and commitment from the players.

The Falconets arrived in Poland on Tuesday and immediately resumed their programme, working on tactical organisation, technical execution, physical conditioning and team cohesion ahead of the global tournament.

As part of their final preparations, Nigeria will play two international friendlies against Poland on August 28 and South Korea on September 1.

The match against hosts Poland will be played at the Municipal Stadium in Brzeg at 12 noon local time, while the encounter with South Korea is scheduled for the Remes Resort & Spa Football Stadium and will kick off at 4pm local time.

The fixtures are expected to help the players acclimatise to local conditions, test themselves against different playing styles and allow the technical crew to assess the squad before the World Cup.

Captain Joy Igbokwe and defender Faridat Abdulwahab, who were unable to secure visas for the trip, have been replaced by Vivian Kachi and Alaba Olabiyi.

Nigeria will campaign in Group F alongside Spain, China PR and New Caledonia, beginning with a clash against Spain on September 7.

The Falconets will then face China PR on September 10 before completing their group-stage campaign against New Caledonia on September 13.

The Nigerian side will continue training in Trzebnica as preparations gather pace, with the coaching staff working to ensure the squad is physically and tactically ready for the competition.

Nigeria finished runners-up at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2010 and 2014 and will be aiming to go one step further this time by securing the country’s first title in the competition.