Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, the Falconets, will depart the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, tonight for Poland ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

The team concluded their final preparations on Monday before embarking on the trip to represent the country on the global stage.

However, there was a major blow to the squad as captain Joy Igbokwe was absent from the contingent that left the country. Pictures from the departure showed the Nasarawa Amazons midfielder was not among the players on board.

According to multiple reports, Igbokwe’s visa was not approved, casting serious doubt over her participation in the tournament. The midfielder was named captain of Nigeria’s 21 player squad and was expected to lead the team in Poland.

Full Squad to Poland
GOALKEEPERS: Christiana Uzoma, Jane Ijirigho, Ramotalahi Kareem

DEFENDERS: Queen Joseph, Favour Nkwocha, Rebecca Adegbemile, Faridat Abdulwahab, Precious Oscar

MIDFIELDERS: Joy Igbokwe, Tumininu Adeshina, Bright Etim, Onyedikachi Ekezie, Victory Lucky, Mary Mamudu

FORWARDS: Hannah Ibrahm, Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei, Amber Ogbolu, Winner David, Chisom Nwachukwu, Jumai Adebayo

The Falconets sealed their qualification in style. They beat Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate, Senegal 3-1 on aggregate, and edged Malawi 3-2 on aggregate to book their ticket.

Nigeria have appeared at every edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, the only African nation with that record. The Falconets will be chasing their first title after finishing runners-up in 2010 and 2014.

Group Stage Fixtures

Spain, September 7

China PR, September 10

New Caledonia, September 13

With the tournament kicking off next month in Poland, all eyes will be on how the team copes without their skipper, and whether a late intervention can secure Igbokwe’s travel papers in time.