Falconets player Ijeoma Uzoma has called on Nigerians to continue supporting the national U-20 women’s team as they prepare to begin their campaign at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026.
Uzoma said the players have put in the hard work during their preparations and are determined to give everything for the country when they take on the best young teams in the world.
“We have been working very hard and we are determined to represent Nigeria to the best of our abilities,” Uzoma said.
The Falconets departed Nigeria for Poland on Monday as they stepped up preparations for the tournament, with the squad carrying the hopes of a nation that has never won the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup despite reaching the final twice. Nigeria finished runners-up in 2010 and 2014 and has remained one of Africa’s most consistent teams at the competition.
Uzoma urged supporters not to lose faith in the team, insisting that the players are motivated and fully focused on producing a memorable campaign.
“We are motivated and we will work hard to win the U-20 World Cup for Nigeria,” she added.
Nigeria secured its place at the Poland tournament after overcoming Malawi 3-2 on aggregate in the final round of African qualifying. The Falconets had won the first leg 2-0 in Nigeria before Malawi won the return fixture 2-1, but Nigeria held on to advance.
The qualification extended Nigeria’s remarkable record at the tournament, with the country having appeared at every edition since the competition began as the FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship in 2002.
Coach Moses Aduku has also expressed confidence in the squad, saying the players have been adequately prepared physically and mentally and are travelling to Poland with the ambition of competing for the trophy.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group F alongside Spain, China PR and New Caledonia, with their group-stage matches scheduled for September 7, 10 and 13 respectively.
For Uzoma, however, the task is bigger than simply qualifying for the tournament.
The Falconets want to make history.
Having twice finished as runners-up, Nigeria will be chasing a first-ever FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title in Poland, and Uzoma believes the players can achieve that ambition with the backing of Nigerians at home and abroad.
“We need Nigerians to believe in us and support us,” she said.
“We will give everything for the country.”
With the Falconets now in Poland and the countdown to their opening match underway, Uzoma’s message is clear: Nigeria should not give up on the girls — because the Falconets are ready to fight for the World Cup.
