Falconets Beat Poland 1-0 in World Cup Warm-up Match

Nigeria's Falconets have kicked off their final preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup with a narrow 1-0 victory over Poland in an international friendly. The match took place on Friday at the Municipal Stadium in Brzeg, Poland.

Mary Mamudu was the standout player, scoring the game's only goal in first-half stoppage time. Her strike in the 45th minute plus one gave the Nigerian side a crucial lead heading into the interval. Despite efforts from both teams in the second half, neither could find the back of the net, allowing the Falconets to hold on for the win.

This friendly victory is a significant step in the team's campaign for the upcoming World Cup, which will be hosted in Poland from August 31 to September 22. The Nigeria Football Federation had previously arranged two warm-up matches in Poland, with this encounter against Poland being the first.

The Falconets are drawn in Group F alongside Spain, China PR, and New Caledonia. The team has a strong history in the tournament, having reached the final twice before, in 2010 and 2014, but has yet to secure a championship title. This win provides a positive start as they aim for a historic title in this year's competition. Their next friendly is scheduled against South Korea on September 1.