Falconets goalkeeper Etim Bright Effiong says Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team is ready to take on the best young teams in the world as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
Effiong said the players have been working relentlessly to improve their game and arrive at the global tournament with the confidence and determination required to compete for the title.
“We are ready to take on the rest of the world,” Effiong said.
“We have been working hard to improve our game, and we are motivated to give our best and compete for the title.”
The Falconets arrived in Poland on Tuesday and have already stepped up their preparations at their training base in Trzebnica, with the technical crew focusing on tactical organisation, technical execution, physical conditioning and team cohesion.
Nigeria secured its place at the tournament after an impressive qualifying campaign that saw the Falconets defeat Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate, overcome Senegal 3-1 and edge Malawi 3-2 on aggregate in the final round.
The qualification extended Nigeria’s remarkable record as the only African nation to have featured in every edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 2002.
The Falconets have also established themselves as one of the most successful teams in the tournament’s history, reaching the final in 2010 and 2014. However, the elusive trophy has continued to escape Nigeria, allowing the current generation to create history in Poland.
Effiong believes the squad has the quality and mentality to challenge for the ultimate prize.
“We are motivated and ready to give everything for Nigeria,” she said.
“We want to compete for the title and make Nigerians proud.”
The goalkeeper also appealed to Nigerian supporters to remain behind the team throughout the tournament, stressing that the players need the prayers and encouragement of fans as they take on some of the world’s best young footballers.
“We want Nigerians to keep praying for us and supporting us,” Effiong said.
“Your support means a lot to the team, and we will do everything possible to make the country proud.”
The Falconets will have two important warm-up matches before their World Cup opener, facing hosts Poland on August 28 before taking on South Korea on September 1. The games are expected to provide coach Moses Aduku with an opportunity to fine-tune his tactics while giving the players further experience against quality opposition.
Nigeria will begin its Group F campaign against Spain on September 7 before facing China on September 10 and New Caledonia on September 13.
With the squad now settled in Poland and preparations intensifying, Effiong believes the Falconets have every reason to approach the tournament with confidence.
Nigeria have twice come painfully close to winning the title. This time, Effiong and her teammates want to go one step further.
“We believe in ourselves,” she said.
“We are going there to fight, compete and give everything for Nigeria.”
And with the Falconets carrying the hopes of a nation into Poland, Effiong’s message to Nigerians is simple: keep believing, keep praying and keep supporting the girls as they chase Nigeria’s first FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title.
