Aduku declares Falconets ready for U-20 World Cup

Falconets head coach Moses Aduku has declared his team ready for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after Nigeria drew 1-1 with South Korea in their final warm-up friendly in Poland on Tuesday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Aduku said there were no injury concerns in his squad as the Falconets completed their final preparations ahead of their opening Group F clash against Spain next Monday.

“So far, so good. We are done with our friendly games. For me, we are good. No injury worries. My girls are ready,” Aduku said after the game.

The draw came on the back of a 1-0 win over hosts Poland on Friday in Brzeg.

Mary Mamudu gave Nigeria the lead in the 29th minute, following her goal in the Falconets’ 1-0 win over Poland in their previous warm-up game.

South Korea equalised from the penalty spot in the 78th minute as Nigeria ended their two-match preparation campaign in Poland with one win and one draw.

The coach, however, admitted that Nigeria missed chances to win the encounter while praising South Korea for their performance.

“It was not a bad game. 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 added.

Goalkeeper Effiong Bright Etim rated her teammates highly after the game while highlighting the importance of fighting until the final whistle.

“They played very well, and if I am to rate them, I’ll give them 95 out of 100,” Etim said.

“What I learnt is that we shouldn’t give up, even if we’re leading. We shouldn’t give up, no matter what. Play till the end, that’s what we did.”

The Falconets will now turn their attention to the World Cup, where they have been drawn in Group F alongside Spain, China and New Caledonia.

Nigeria will face China in Sosnowiec on Thursday, September 10, before travelling to Łódź to take on New Caledonia on Sunday, September 13.