Chioma Ohakim, Nigeria’s ambassador to Poland, has boosted the morale of the Falconets ahead of their crucial second Group F match against China at the ongoing 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
Ohakim watched Nigeria’s 2-0 defeat to Spain in their opening match at Stadion Sosnowiec on Monday and, alongside staff of the Nigerian Mission, offered her support and encouragement to the team.
Dr Ademola Olajire, Interim Deputy General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
‘Despite the result, Ohakim remained supportive of the team and encouraged the players and technical crew not to be discouraged,’ Olajire said.
He said the envoy interacted with the players and technical crew after the match, urging them to put the defeat behind them and remain focused on their next challenge against China.
‘She reminded the team that they had played good football and had every reason to remain confident ahead of the crucial encounter,’ he said.
The two-time silver medallists will return to Stadion Sosnowiec on Thursday evening to face China in a match that could prove crucial to their hopes of progressing from Group F.
China are highly motivated after a 5-0 victory over New Caledonia in their opening match, a result that put them top of the group ahead of 2022 champions Spain on goal difference.
Falconets coach Moses Aduku said the team had moved on from the defeat to Spain and was fully focused on China.
‘We have put the match against Spain behind us and are focusing totally on the clash with China. The players are ready to come out stronger for the match against China,’ he said.
Nigeria and China have met twice previously at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals.
Thursday’s match kicks off at 5pm at Stadion Sosnowiec.
China lead Group F with three points and a five-goal difference, while Spain are second with three points and a plus-two goal difference. Nigeria are third with a minus-two goal difference, with New Caledonia fourth.