Former Super Falcons captain Desire Oparanozie has urged the Falconets to go all out for victory when they face China in their crucial second Group F fixture at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
Nigeria head into Thursday’s encounter under pressure after suffering a 2–0 defeat to Spain in their opening match, while China started their campaign with an emphatic 5–0 victory over New Caledonia.
With the Falconets currently without a point, Oparanozie believes the players must approach the encounter with a winning mentality rather than settling for a draw.
The former Nigeria captain acknowledged that even a point could eventually prove useful, but stressed that the team’s mindset must be focused on securing all three points.
The advice comes as Nigeria seek to revive their campaign and keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. The tournament format allows the top two teams in each group and the four best third-placed sides to advance to the Round of 16, making every point potentially important.
China, meanwhile, sit at the top of Group F on goal difference after their opening-day demolition of New Caledonia, making them a difficult opponent for Moses Aduku’s side.
The Falconets will also draw confidence from their previous meeting with China at the competition. The sides played out a 1–1 draw in 2018, a result that helped Nigeria progress to the quarter-finals. China had earlier defeated Nigeria 3–0 in the 2006 edition.
Oparanozie’s call comes as the Falconets look to respond to a disappointing opening performance against Spain. Coach Moses Aduku has already insisted that his players have put the defeat behind them and are ready to produce a stronger display against China.
The former Super Falcons captain’s message is therefore straightforward: the Falconets must play to win and not approach the encounter with a mindset of merely avoiding defeat.
A victory would take Nigeria to three points and significantly improve their chances of advancing from Group F, while another defeat would leave their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
With the stakes high, Oparanozie wants the young Nigerians to show character, confidence and ambition when they step onto the pitch at Stadion Sosnowiec.
For the Falconets, three points are the target — and Oparanozie wants them to play like it.
