U-20 WWC: Visa issues rule out Falconets captain Igbokwe, Abdulwahab

Nigeria’s Falconets have made two enforced changes to their squad for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after captain Joe Igbokwe and defender Faridat Abdulwahab were unable to obtain visas to enter Poland.

Igbokwe and Abdulwahab have been replaced by Vivian Kachi and Alaba Olabiyi, respectively, in the final squad for the tournament.

The Falconets arrived in Trzebnica, Poland, on Tuesday, with head coach Moses Aduku now putting the finishing touches to his team’s preparations ahead of the competition.

Nigeria will test themselves against hosts Poland in a friendly at the Municipal Stadium in Brzeg on Friday.

Aduku’s side will also face Korea Republic in their final pre-tournament friendly at the Remes Resort & Spa Football Stadium next Tuesday.

The Falconets are drawn in Group F alongside Spain, China PR and New Caledonia.

Nigeria will begin their campaign against Spain on Monday, September 7, before facing their other group opponents later in the tournament.