Nigeria’s Falconets open their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign against Spain today, Monday, 7 September, at Arena Sosnowiec in Poland. Kick-off is scheduled for 4pm Nigerian time, with China PR and New Caledonia completing Group F.
Coach Moses Aduku has placed immediate importance on the first group match because Nigeria can establish an early position before facing China on 10 September and New Caledonia on 13 September. He said: “We are looking forward to the match against Spain with high expectations. We are ready and set to go.”
Aduku expects Spain to provide a serious examination, while he has also separated the reputation of Spain’s senior men from the task facing his young team. He said: “Spain is a good side, no doubt; let us not forget they are champions of the world at men’s senior level.”
The coach then explained why Nigeria will treat the opener with the intensity normally associated with a knockout match. “However, we will approach the game like a Cup final because we want to win. The three points will put us in good stead in our group phase campaign,” Aduku said.
Spain enter the tournament with recent success at this level. They won the U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2022 after reaching the final in 2018, while they also finished as runners-up in 2024. Their latest preparation included a 5-2 win over Canada, and coach David Aznar has selected several players making their first appearance at a U-20 World Cup.
Nigeria bring their own record at the tournament. The Falconets have reached the final twice, finishing runners-up to Germany in 2010 and 2014. Nigeria’s 2010 appearance marked the first time an African team reached the final of the competition, while Asisat Oshoala won the Golden Ball and Golden Shoe in 2014 after scoring seven goals.
The teams have also met at the U-20 World Cup before. Spain defeated Nigeria 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the 2018 tournament in France, giving the Spanish side a previous competitive win over the Falconets at this level.
Nigeria completed their final preparations in Poland with two friendlies. The Falconets defeated the host nation 1-0 on 28 August, with Mary Mamudu scoring the winning goal in first-half stoppage time, before drawing 1-1 with South Korea on 1 September.
The Falconets are seeking their first U-20 Women’s World Cup title after their two previous final appearances ended in defeat.
