Irikefe Oghenetega Victor
Nigeria’s Falconets have replaced captain Joy Igbokwe and defender Faridat Abdulwahab with Vivian Kachi and Alaba Olabiyi ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
According to the NFF Communications Department, both players were ultimately not granted visas and will miss the tournament. The replacements have now joined the squad as the team continues its preparations in Poland.
Igbokwe had been named captain of the side and played a key role during Nigeria’s qualification campaign. Her absence, alongside that of Abdulwahab, represents a setback for the Falconets as they look to make an impact at the global stage.
Nigeria remain one of only three countries, alongside Brazil and the United States, to have appeared in every edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 2002. The Falconets have been drawn in Group F with Spain, China PR and New Caledonia.
The team will now focus on integrating the new players as they prepare for their opening match against Spain on September 7.
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