President and Chief Executive Officer of RoyalToms International Football Academy, Olajide Royal, has expressed cautious optimism over the chances of the Nigeria women’s national under-20 football team at the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup following the official group stage draw.
Nigeria’s Falconets were drawn in Group F alongside Spain women’s national under-20 football team, China women’s national under-20 football team, and New Caledonia women’s national under-20 football team for the global tournament.
Read Also: President Federation Cup Round of 64: Sunshine Stars U-19 Cause Major Upset as Rivers United, Ikorodu City, Enyimba Advance
Speaking in an interview with Sports247Naija, Olajide Royal admitted the group presents a difficult challenge but insisted the Falconets still possess the quality to advance to the knockout stages.
“Looking at the group, if we are able to get at least a draw from either Spain or China, then we have a chance,” he stated.
The football administrator also expressed confidence in the ability of the Nigerian side despite acknowledging concerns from the team’s qualification campaign.
“I actually don’t want to believe any team is better off than the Falconets, but when you see the way the Falconets fought through the qualifiers, then I can say we have a chance,” he added.
Spain is widely regarded as one of the strongest nations in women’s football across all categories, and Olajide believes Nigeria must approach the encounter with tactical discipline and physical intensity.
“We have to match them to their tactics and avoid speeding. We shouldn’t play fast games with them because they are very good at that,” he explained.
“Then we need to be very physical against them and convert our chances.”
When asked which fixture could define Nigeria’s campaign, the RoyalToms Academy boss pointed directly to the clash against Spain.
“Spain to be precise. The reason being that they are a very technical footballing nation and we have seen them in every category and how they play, so it’s going to be a very tough game.”
He, however, warned against underrating China, acknowledging the Asian side’s pedigree and competitiveness at youth tournaments.
“At the same time, I’m not writing off the Chinese girls too, though Spain will be tougher.”
The Falconets remain one of Africa’s most successful teams in FIFA women’s youth competitions, having consistently reached the latter stages of previous tournaments.
To compete strongly for the title in 2026, Olajide emphasized that Nigeria must improve its attacking efficiency in front of goal.
“They just need to work on their goal scoring and converting their chances as it comes,” he concluded.
The Falconets are expected to begin preparations in the coming months as they aim to make another strong statement on the world stage.
