FIFA celebrate Nigeria women's u-20 record weeks after Super Falcons lose streak

The Nigerian U-20 women’s national team have departed Abuja for Poland to finalise preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

The Falconets’ arrival in Trzebnica marks a historic milestone as they prepare to compete in the 12th edition of the prestigious youth tournament, a fact FIFA acknowledged on social media.

Their qualification cements Nigeria's status as one of only three countries globally to have participated in every single edition of the competition since its inception in 2002.

Nigeria share this incredible perfect attendance record exclusively with heavyweights Germany and Brazil.

The Falconets have managed to maintain this remarkable consistency even as the senior women's national team, the Super Falcons, saw their own long-standing qualification streak broken at the WAFCON.

To secure their ticket to Poland, head coach Moses Aduku’s side navigated a rigorous African qualifying campaign.

They dispatched Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate, overcame Senegal 3-1, and finally edged Malawi 3-2 across two legs to book their spot on the global stage.

Despite their ever-present status at the tournament, the ultimate prize has agonisingly eluded the West African powerhouse.

Nigeria have finished as runners-up on two separate occasions, suffering heartbreaking defeats to Germany in both the 2010 and 2014 tournament finals.

The current squad is now determined to break that hurdle and secure the nation's maiden title in Poland.

Before diving into competitive action, the Falconets will utilise their training camp in Trzebnica to acclimatise and fine-tune their tactics following a slight visa delay that postponed their initial travel plans.

Nigeria have been drawn into a competitive Group F and will officially open their World Cup campaign against Spain on September 7, 2026.

They will then face Asian powerhouse China on September 10 before concluding their group stage schedule against New Caledonia on September 13.

Captain Joy Igbokwe has assured supporters back home that the squad is mentally and physically prepared to challenge for the trophy and make the country proud.