Uzoma urges Nigerians to back Falconets at U-20 World Cup Poland 2026

Falconets midfielder Ijeoma Uzoma has asked Nigerians to keep faith with the team as preparations continue for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026. Nigeria will begin its campaign in Group F against Spain, China PR and New Caledonia.

Uzoma said the squad’s preparations had been demanding and that the players were determined to represent Nigeria well. She also said the team’s ambition extended beyond taking part, with the Falconets targeting the country’s first title at the competition.

Nigeria has reached the final twice without winning the tournament. The team finished second in 2010 and 2014, while its qualification for the Poland edition maintained a perfect record of appearing at every edition since the competition began as the FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship in 2002.

The Falconets secured their place in Poland by eliminating Malawi 3-2 on aggregate in the final qualifying round. They won the first leg 2-0 at home before Malawi took the return match 2-1, leaving Nigeria with the advantage needed to progress.

Nigeria’s group matches are scheduled for September 7, 10 and 13, against Spain, China PR and New Caledonia respectively. The squad has already left Nigeria for Poland as the final preparations for the tournament move forward.

Coach Moses Aduku has said the players have been prepared both physically and mentally and will travel with the goal of challenging for the trophy. Uzoma believes that support from Nigerians at home and abroad can help the team turn its repeated near-misses into a title-winning campaign.