By Paul Joseph
Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, kicked off preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup on a dominant note, thrashing Bodyline FC 10-0 in a friendly match played in Abuja.
The emphatic victory offered an early glimpse of the team’s attacking firepower as head coach Moses Aduku began fine-tuning his squad ahead of the tournament in Poland.
Reacting after the match, Aduku commended his players for their performance but stressed that the team must continue improving in all departments before the World Cup.
“It was our first friendly match and it was very impressive. However, there are still areas the team needs to work on. We must function perfectly as a unit, both offensively and defensively. While we are working hard here, other teams are also preparing,” he said.
The coach explained that his immediate focus is on developing a strong winning mentality and ensuring the players attain peak physical condition.
“First and foremost is mentality. We want to instill a winning mentality in the players. At the same time, our fitness level must be 100 per cent and beyond because that is one of the major strengths we want to take into the World Cup,” Aduku added.
Confident about Nigeria’s chances in Poland, the Falconets coach admitted the competition would be difficult but insisted his side is determined to challenge for the title.
“I know every match will be tough, but we are leaving no stone unturned. Our first game against Spain will be difficult, but I believe we can make a statement. Nigerians should pray for us and expect this team to bring back the trophy,” he said.
Aduku also disclosed that nearly all invited players have arrived in camp, with only one or two expected to join the squad.
Despite the heavy defeat, Bodyline FC coach James Phanuel described the encounter as a valuable learning opportunity for his youthful side.
“When you’re on the losing side, you feel disappointed, but I think the girls tried. Playing against the national team is not easy. Most of my players are still at the grassroots level and lack that experience,” he said.
Phanuel attributed the defeat to his team’s lack of fitness and poor communication but expressed optimism that the experience would aid the players’ development.
“We lacked fitness and communication. Most times, they arrived late to challenges because they couldn’t match the pace of the national team. We’ll go back, continue developing the players, and hopefully do much better if we get another opportunity like this,” he added.
Falconets captain Joy Igbokwe described the convincing victory as an ideal start to the team’s World Cup build-up.
“It’s a privilege for every one of us to leave our homes and represent Nigeria. This win is just the start of our journey towards the World Cup. We are taking this preparation seriously,” she said.
Igbokwe also expressed confidence that the Falconets have what it takes to win Nigeria’s first FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title, while praying for an injury-free campaign.
“We believe we have what it takes to win the title. Right now, our biggest prayer is that God keeps injuries away from the team,” she said.
The Falconets have been drawn in Group F of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where they will face Spain, China and New Caledonia. Nigeria will open its campaign against Spain on September 7 before taking on China on September 10 and New Caledonia on September 13.
The expanded 24-team tournament will take place in Poland from September 5 to 27 across the cities of Łódź, Katowice, Sosnowiec and Bielsko-Biała, with the Falconets hoping to make history by lifting the trophy for the first time.
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