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Despite their 0-2 defeat against Spain in their opening match of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 in Poland on Monday, Nigeria’s ambassador to that country, Her Excellency Ambassador Chioma Ohakim Esq, did not abandon the team or feel despondent like everyone else.
He watched the match played at the Stadion Sosnowiec and, together with the mission staff, did everything possible to support and encourage the team.
After the match, Ambassador Ohakim took time to interact with the players and coaching staff, encouraging the girls not to be discouraged by their opening loss to Spain. He urged the team to put the result behind them and stay focused on their next challenge against China, reminding them that they played good football and have every reason to remain confident.
In a thoughtful gesture, the top diplomat also brought Nigerian food to the players, which helped lift their spirits and give the team a taste of home while in Poland. His presence and words of encouragement provided a timely morale boost as the Falconets turned their attention to their crucial clash with China.
The two-time silver medalists take to the Stadion Sosnowiec pitch for the second time on Thursday night, when they take on China in a high-stakes match.
The Chinese girls are highly motivated after a 5-0 thrashing of New Caledonia in their first match, a result that has put them at the top of the Group F table, ahead of 2022 champions Spain, on goal difference.
Nigeria and China have met twice before in the finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. In 2006, in Russia, the same competition where the event was renamed FIFA U20 (as opposed to U19 in the first two tournaments in Canada and Thailand), China defeated the Falconets 3-0 in a group stage match at Podmoskovie Stadium.
In 2018 in France, an own goal by a Chinese defender gave Nigeria a 1-1 draw in their match at Dinan-Léhon, a result that sent the Falconets to the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Coach Moses Aduku said on Wednesday night: “We have put the game against Spain behind us and are fully concentrating on the clash against China. The players are ready to come out stronger for the game against China.”
