Falconets Finally Depart For Poland  Ahead U20 Women’s World Cup After Visa Delay

Nigeria’s Falconets are set to depart Abuja on Monday for Poland ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, after a visa delay disrupted their original travel plans.

The Nigeria U-20 women’s national team had been scheduled to leave the country on Thursday, August 20, but the delay in securing the required visas forced the team to postpone its departure.

The Falconets have spent several weeks in camp in Abuja undergoing intensive preparations for the tournament, which begins on September 5.

The late departure has significantly reduced the time available for final preparations in Poland, including plans for acclimatisation and international friendly matches against the hosts and Korea Republic.

Head coach Moses Aduku and his technical crew will now be expected to make the most of the limited time available, with acclimatisation, tactical preparations and player recovery likely to be immediate priorities upon arrival.

Nigeria secured their place at the tournament after overcoming Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate, edging Senegal 3-2 and defeating Malawi 3-2 in the final qualifying round.

The Falconets remain the only nation to have featured at every edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 2002.

Nigeria have twice finished runners-up, in 2010 and 2014, while they reached the semi-finals in 2012.

At the 2024 tournament in Colombia, the Falconets defeated Korea Republic 1-0 in their opening match before losing to Japan in the Round of 16.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group F alongside Spain, China PR and New Caledonia, with Spain providing the opposition in their opening fixture.

Despite the disrupted preparations, Aduku’s side will be hoping to quickly settle in Poland and make up for lost time as they target another deep run at the global tournament.