U-20 WWC: Falconets Captain And Defender Miss Out Over Visa Issues

Nigeria’s Falconets have made changes to their squad for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

This comes after captain Joy Igbokwe and defender Faridat Abdulwahab were unable to obtain their visas in time.

The two players could not join the team when the squad departed on Monday because of the unresolved visa issues.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has since called up Vivian Kachi and Alaba Olabiyi to take their places.

The Falconets arrived in Poland on Tuesday with 20 players and held their first training session the following day at the Stadion Miejski, Fair Play Arena, as they continued preparations for the tournament.

There is also uncertainty over the participation of striker Janet Akekoromowei.

Although she has arrived in Poland, she could miss the competition if her club, Benfica, does not release her.

Akekoromowei, who previously played for Bayelsa Queens, picked up a serious injury during the World Cup qualifiers in February. Her recovery was reportedly supported by Benfica.

Before the tournament begins, the Falconets are scheduled to play two friendly matches.

They will face hosts Poland on August 28 and South Korea on September 1.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group F with Spain, China PR and New Caledonia.

Their opening game will be against Spain on September 7, followed by matches against China PR on September 10 and New Caledonia on September 13.

The Falconets have finished as runners-up at the U-20 Women’s World Cup twice, in 2010 and 2014. They will now look to go one step further and win their first title in Poland.

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