Nigeria’s Falconets have received a morale boost from Ambassador Margareta Mary Obi ahead of their second Group F fixture at the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, after opening the tournament with a 2-0 defeat by Spain.
Ambassador backs Falconets after Spain loss
- Obi, Nigeria’s ambassador to Poland, watched Monday’s match at Stadion Sosnowiec alongside officials from the embassy.
- After Spain secured victory, she met the players and members of the coaching staff, encouraging them to keep their belief and turn their attention to the next challenge against China.
- The ambassador also brought traditionally prepared Nigerian meals for the squad, aiming to raise spirits before today’s Group F contest in Sosnowiec.
The meeting with China carries significant importance for Nigeria. China occupy first place in the section on goal difference after defeating New Caledonia 5-0, while Spain are second following their success against the Falconets.
Previous World Cup meetings
Nigeria and China have faced one another twice at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals. China won their first encounter 3-0 in the group phase at Podmoskovie during the 2006 competition in Russia.
The teams drew 1-1 at Dinan-Léhon in the 2018 tournament in France, with a late own goal by a Chinese player earning Nigeria a share of the points and sending the Falconets into the quarter-finals.
Coach calls for response
Nigeria head coach Moses Aduku said the squad has now fully moved on from the defeat to Spain. He stated that the players are concentrating exclusively on China and are determined to produce a stronger performance in today’s match.
