Visa Complications Force Falconets Captain, Defender Out of U-20 WWC Squad

Nigeria’s U-20 Women’s National Team, the Falconets, have been compelled to make last-minute adjustments to their roster for the upcoming 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. This follows visa procurement challenges that have unfortunately ruled out team captain Joe Igbokwe and defender Faridat Abdulwahab from participating in the tournament.

The two key players were unable to secure the necessary entry visas to Poland, the host nation, leading to their replacement. Vivian Kachi and Alaba Olabiyi have now been drafted into the squad to fill their positions ahead of the competition.

The Falconets, under the guidance of Coach Moses Aduku, are slated to compete in Group F, where they will face formidable opponents including Spain, China PR, and New Caledonia. Their World Cup campaign is scheduled to kick off against Spain on Monday, September 7th.

Having arrived in Trzebnica, Poland, on Tuesday, August 25th, Aduku’s side has intensified their preparations for the global showpiece. As part of their final tune-up, the Falconets are set to play a warm-up fixture against hosts Poland this Friday at the Municipal Stadium in Brzeg. Following this, they will engage Korea Republic in their concluding friendly match next Tuesday at the Remes Resort & Spa Football Stadium.