Falconets head coach Moses Aduku has expressed disappointment after Nigeria failed to beat China at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, but has promised that his players will approach their decisive final group match against New Caledonia as though their lives depend on it.
Nigeria were held to a 0–0 draw by China PR at Arena Sosnowiec on Thursday, leaving the Falconets with just one point from their opening two matches in Group F.
The result followed their 2–0 opening defeat to Spain, meaning Nigeria must now produce a strong performance against New Caledonia on Sunday to give themselves a chance of reaching the knockout stage.
Aduku admitted he was unhappy that his side failed to secure all three points against China, particularly after creating opportunities to break the deadlock.
Nigeria thought they had been handed a golden chance in the 74th minute when a penalty was initially awarded, only for the decision to be overturned following a VAR review.
Despite the disappointment, Aduku believes there were encouraging signs in the performance.
The Falconets looked more competitive than they did against Spain, with Janet Akekoromowei, Kafayat Mafisere, Precious Oscar and Queen Joseph all involved in Nigeria’s attacking efforts.
Goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma and the Nigerian defence also stood firm against China’s attacking pressure to secure the team’s first clean sheet of the tournament.
For Aduku, however, improvement without victory is not enough at this stage of the competition.
He acknowledged that there is still considerable work to be done before the final group fixture but remains encouraged by the progress his players showed against China.
The coach has now turned his attention completely towards New Caledonia, knowing Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions could depend on what happens in the final round of Group F fixtures.
The Falconets will face New Caledonia on Sunday, September 13, in Łódź, with Aduku demanding a performance filled with urgency, determination and greater efficiency in front of goal.
Nigeria have a proud history at the U-20 Women’s World Cup, reaching the final in 2010 and 2014, and Aduku will be desperate to prevent the current generation from suffering an early exit in Poland.
After two games without a victory or a goal, there is now little margin for error.
Aduku nevertheless believes the improvement against China provides something for his players to build on heading into their final group assignment.
The equation is now straightforward for the Falconets: attack New Caledonia with everything they have, chase the three points and give themselves the best possible chance of keeping their World Cup journey alive.
