Falconets head coach Moses Aduku has declared his team ready for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after Nigeria rounded off their final preparations with a 1-1 draw against South Korea in Poland on Tuesday.
With the World Cup now just days away, Aduku is satisfied with the team’s preparations and, most importantly, confirmed that there are no injury concerns in the squad ahead of their opening Group F clash against Spain next Monday.
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“So far, so good. We are done with our friendly games. For me, we are good. No injury worries. My girls are ready, we are waiting for the 7th against Spain,” Aduku said after the encounter.
The Falconets had opened their two-match preparation campaign with a 1-0 victory over hosts Poland in Brzeg on Friday before settling for a draw against South Korea.
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Mary Mamudu once again found the back of the net for Nigeria, opening the scoring in the 29th minute after also scoring the only goal in the victory over Poland.
However, South Korea fought back and restored parity from the penalty spot in the 78th minute to ensure Nigeria finished their final warm-up campaign with one win and one draw.
Despite the result, Aduku was pleased with the overall performance but admitted that the Falconets could have secured another victory had they been more clinical in front of goal.
“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.
Also stating that his side would be taking it a game at a time at the tournament.
“We are here to take it one game at a time, with the Spanish team first on Monday,” he rounded off.
Goalkeeper Effiong Bright Etim also praised the performance of her teammates, while emphasising the importance of maintaining concentration and 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.”
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The Falconets will now shift their full attention to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where they have been drawn in Group F alongside Spain, China and New Caledonia.
Nigeria will begin their campaign against Spain next Monday before facing China in Sosnowiec on Thursday, 10 September.
The Falconets will then travel to Łódź for their final group-stage fixture against New Caledonia on Sunday, 13 September.
With their two warm-up games now behind them and no injury concerns in the camp, Aduku’s side will head into the tournament looking to make a strong start and navigate their way through a competitive Group F.
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