Nigeria’s Falconets have completed their final preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup on a positive note, finishing their 10-day training camp in Trzebnica unbeaten in two international friendlies ahead of Monday’s opening clash with Spain.
The biggest positive from the final phase has been the form of forward Mary Mamudu, who scored in both warm-up matches as Nigeria tested themselves against the hosts Poland and South Korea.
Mamudu struck the decisive goal as the Falconets defeated Poland 1-0 last Friday before finding the net again in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with South Korea.
The two matches gave head coach Moses Aduku the opportunity to assess his squad against different opposition while fine-tuning the tactical, technical and physical aspects of the team ahead of the tournament.
The Falconets had spent 10 days working intensively in Trzebnica, with particular attention on tactical organisation, technical execution, physical conditioning and team cohesion.
The camp also allowed the players to acclimatise to Polish conditions and sharpen their match fitness before the serious business begins.
The result against South Korea was Nigeria’s final competitive test before the World Cup, with Mamudu putting the Falconets ahead before the Koreans equalised from the penalty spot with 12 minutes remaining.
Nigeria’s preparations therefore ended with one victory and one draw, while Mamudu emerged as the team’s most influential scorer during the final build-up.
The Falconets will now turn their attention to Spain, their first Group F opponents on Monday, September 7, at the Stadion Miejski in Sosnowiec.
China PR and New Caledonia complete Nigeria’s group, with the Falconets facing China on September 10 before concluding the group stage against New Caledonia on September 13.
Nigeria enter the tournament as two-time FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup runners-up, having finished second in 2010 and 2014, and will once again be targeting a historic first title.
They also carry one of the competition’s most remarkable records, having appeared at every edition of the tournament, alongside the USA and Brazil.
With their final warm-up games completed, preparations sharpened and Mamudu showing promising form in front of goal, the Falconets can now put the friendlies behind them.
Spain is next — and Nigeria’s long-awaited title chase begins.
