Falconets head coach Moses Aduku says Nigeria have put their disappointing opening defeat behind them and are fully focused on beating China at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The West Africans will face Wang Jun’s China in their second Group F match at Arena Sosnowiec on Thursday, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time.
Nigeria opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to former champions Spain, leaving Aduku’s side under pressure to pick up points against China if they are to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive.
China, meanwhile, made a flying start to the tournament, thrashing New Caledonia 5-0 in their opening fixture. The result puts them top of Group F, ahead of Spain on goal difference.
With the group finely poised, the Falconets know another setback could seriously damage their chances of progressing. A win against China would, however, put Nigeria back in contention ahead of their final group fixture.
Aduku said the players have responded positively after the loss to Spain and are determined to produce a stronger performance against their Asian opponents.
“We have put the match against Spain behind us and are focusing totally on the clash with China. The players are ready to come out stronger for the match against China,” Aduku told the Nigeria Football Federation.
The coach will now look to his players to turn that determination into a result against a confident Chinese side. China’s five-goal opening victory underlines the attacking threat Nigeria must contain.
For the Falconets, Thursday’s encounter is more than a chance to recover from their opening defeat. It could prove decisive in determining whether Nigeria remain in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.
