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Falconets goalkeeper Etim Bright Effiong says the Nigeria U-20 women’s national team is ready to take on the best young teams in the world as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
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Effiong said the players have been working tirelessly to improve their game and come into the global tournament with the confidence and determination to compete for the title.
“We’re ready to take on the rest of the world,” Effiong said.
“We have worked hard to improve our game and we are motivated to give our best and compete for the title.”
The Falconets arrived in Poland on Tuesday and have already stepped up their preparations at their training base in Trzebnica, with the technical team focusing on tactical organisation, technical execution, physical conditioning and team cohesion.
Nigeria secured their place in the tournament after an impressive qualifying campaign in which the Falconets defeated Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate, overcame Senegal 3-1 and overcame Malawi 3-2 on aggregate in the final round.
Qualification extended Nigeria’s remarkable record as the only African nation to have participated in every edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 2002.
The Falconets have also established themselves as one of the most successful teams in the tournament’s history, reaching the final in 2010 and 2014. However, the elusive trophy has continued to elude Nigeria, allowing the current generation to make history in Poland.
Effiong believes the team has the quality and mentality to fight for the ultimate prize.
“We are motivated and ready to give everything for Nigeria,” he said.
“We want to compete for the title and make Nigerians proud.”
The goalkeeper also appealed to Nigerian fans to continue supporting the team throughout the tournament, stressing that the players need the prayers and encouragement of the fans as they face some of the best young footballers in the world.
“We want Nigerians to continue praying for us and supporting us,” Effiong said.
“Your support means a lot to the team and we will do everything we can to make the country proud.”
The Falconets will have two important warm-up matches before their first World Cup match, facing hosts Poland on August 28 before taking on South Korea on September 1. The games are expected to give coach Moses Aduku the opportunity to fine-tune his tactics while also giving the players more experience against quality opposition.
Nigeria will begin their Group F campaign against Spain on September 7 before facing China on September 10 and New Caledonia on September 13.
Now that the team is settled in Poland and preparations are intensifying, Effiong believes the Falconets have every reason to approach the tournament with confidence.
Nigeria has twice come painfully close to winning the title. This time, Effiong and his teammates want to go one step further.
“We believe in ourselves,” he said.
“We are going there to fight, compete and give our all for Nigeria.”
And with the Falconets bringing the hopes of a nation to Poland, Effiong’s message to Nigerians is simple: keep believing, keep praying and keep supporting the girls as they fight for Nigeria’s first FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title.
