Nigeria’s Falconets begin their latest FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign against Spain on Monday with coach Moses Aduku demanding more than another appearance at the tournament as the two-time finalists chase a first title in Poland, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria have never missed the U-20 Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 2002, a record shared by only a small group of nations. The Falconets have also reached the final twice, losing to Germany in 2010 and to Germany again in 2014.
The team reached the semi-finals in 2012 but fell at the quarter-final stage in 2024 after losing to Japan. Their latest qualification campaign also tested Aduku’s squad, with Nigeria beating Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate, Senegal 3-1 and Malawi 3-2 to secure another place at the finals.
Related Post
Now in Poland, the Falconets have prepared against different types of opposition. They defeated the hosts 1-0 through Mary Mamudu before drawing 1-1 with Korea Republic, with Mamudu again scoring for Nigeria. The results gave Aduku a final look at his squad before the tournament opener.
Aduku wants Nigeria to go beyond their usual run
Speaking to FIFA, Aduku made it clear that simply maintaining Nigeria’s record is not enough this time.
“We are very prepared. Nigeria has been [here] since the inception of the competition as qualifiers, but this time we want to make a difference,” Aduku said.
The coach also warned that Nigeria must approach each game properly if they are to make a deep run.
“We respect all the teams, they are all good teams. But we are here for business. We will take one game at a time and I believe that we will come out from the group.”
The first test will be Spain, who are also targeting a strong tournament after reaching the quarter-finals in 2024. China PR and debutants New Caledonia complete Group F, meaning Nigeria cannot afford a slow start.
Aduku also sees the tournament as an important stage for the players to push towards senior international football.
“The players know that if they do very well, it is a good one for them to cross into the senior national team, so the girls are taking it very seriously.”
For a team that has already made history by appearing at every edition, the next step is clear. Nigeria want to turn their consistency into a first world title.
The Falconets must start that push against Spain on Monday before facing China on September 10 and New Caledonia on September 13.
