The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, NIS, H. E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has applauded the Nigeria U20 Women’s National Team, the Falconets, for their impressive performance at the ongoing FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
Comrade Shaibu said he was proud of the team’s resilience and fighting spirit, noting that the girls have continued to make Nigerians proud on the global stage. “I always knew the girls would do Nigerians proud,” Shaibu stated. “Their determination and teamwork have been exceptional so far.”
The Falconets have so far played four matches at the tournament, scoring 13 goals and conceding just 2 in the process. After a 0-2 loss to Spain in their opening Group F game on September 7, 2026, and a goalless draw with China, the team bounced back with a dominant 10-1 win over New Caledonia to secure qualification for the knockout stage.
Nigeria’s best performance came in the Round of 16 where they thrashed England 3-0 on September 17. Goals from Tosin Rafiu in the 8th minute, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei in the 47th minute, and Mary Mamudu in the 73rd minute sealed the victory and booked the Falconets a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
According to the NIS DG, the team’s progress reflects the growing investment in women’s football development in Nigeria. He said the result against England shows that the Falconets have the capacity to go all the way and win Nigeria’s first U20 Women’s World Cup title.
After beating England, Nigeria will now face the winner of the Poland vs Colombia match in the quarter-finals on September 20. The Falconets, who are two-time runners-up at the tournament, will be aiming to take one step closer to lifting the trophy for the first time.
Signed:
Ben Ogbemudia,
S. A. Media,
Office of the Director General and Chief Executive Officer National Institute for Sports ADC Abuja.