FC Robo Queens owner and head coach Emmanuel Osahon has thrown his weight behind Nigeria’s Falconets despite their difficult start at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, insisting the players have shown enough quality and commitment to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Speaking in an interview with Sports247, Osahon, also known as Osahon Emmanuel Orobosa, reflected on Nigeria’s goalless draw against China and maintained that the result should not overshadow the improvement displayed by the team.
The Falconets entered the encounter needing a response after losing their opening Group F match 2-0 to Spain, and although they were unable to secure the desired three points against China, Osahon believes their performance offered encouragement.
“The girls are giving everything,” Osahon told Sports247, stressing that the team’s effort and determination could not be questioned.
He noted that Nigeria had opportunities to take something more substantial from the China encounter and believes the players must remain focused rather than allow frustration over the result to derail their campaign.
The experienced grassroots football administrator also pointed to the unpredictable nature of youth football, where talented players are still developing and learning to manage the pressure associated with major international tournaments.
For Osahon, what matters now is how the Falconets respond in their final group assignment.
Nigeria have collected one point from their opening two matches, meaning their last Group F encounter against New Caledonia has become crucial to their hopes of progressing to the knockout phase.
Osahon remains optimistic that the Falconets can get the result they require.
His confidence is also informed by his extensive involvement in Nigerian women’s football. FC Robo Queens have developed several players who have progressed through Nigeria’s different female national teams, making Osahon a long-standing advocate for the country’s young female footballers.
Against China, Nigeria pushed for the breakthrough and even thought they had been presented with a golden opportunity when a penalty was awarded in the second half, only for the decision to be overturned following a VAR review.
Despite another match passing without a goal, Osahon believes the players should continue believing in themselves and concentrate on producing the performance required in their final group game.
The FC Robo boss also called for continued encouragement for the young players, arguing that this is a moment when support can be more valuable than excessive criticism.
With their World Cup campaign now reaching a decisive stage, there is little room left for error.
For Osahon, however, the equation remains simple: the Falconets are still in the competition, the players are fighting, and as long as qualification remains mathematically possible, Nigerians should continue to believe in them.
