Nigeria will aim to win their first Women’s U20 World Cup title after coach Aduku Moses selected a 21-player squad for the tournament in Poland.
The Super Falconets have reached every previous edition of the Women’s U20 World Cup, and their appearance in Poland will be their 12th at the competition. Despite that remarkable record of consistency, Nigeria have never lifted the trophy.
They have come closest on two occasions, reaching the final in 2010 and 2014. Both times, however, they were beaten by Germany and had to settle for runners-up medals.
Moses will now attempt to lead a new group of players to a landmark triumph. Nigeria have been drawn in Group F, where they will face Spain, China and New Caledonia.
The group-stage campaign leaves the Super Falconets with no room for complacency if they are to progress. Their first objective will be to secure a place in the knockout rounds before attempting to go further than any previous Nigeria side at the tournament.
Uzoma Christiana, Adebayo Jumai and the rest of the selected squad will carry Nigeria’s hopes of finally claiming the title. The final group of players includes three goalkeepers, five defenders, five midfielders and eight forwards.
The 21 players selected by Moses are:
Goalkeepers: Uzoma Christiana, Ijirigho Jane, Etim Bright Effiong
Defenders: Lucky Victory, Ekezie Onyedikachi, Adebayo Jumai, Adeshina Tumininu, Ibrahim Hannah
Midfielders: Nkwocha Favour, Mafisere Kafayat, Rafiu Tosin, Adegbemile Rebecca, Ogbolu Amber
Forwards: David Winner Onajite, Joseph Queen, Kareem Ramotalahi, Nwachukwu Chisom, Olabiyi Folajomi, Mamudu Mary, Oscar Precious, Akekoromowei Janet
Nigeria’s history at the Women’s U20 World Cup is defined by regular qualification and two narrowly missed opportunities. They have never failed to reach the finals, but their defeats by Germany in the 2010 and 2014 show how difficult the final step has proved.
The squad selected for Poland will therefore be seeking to achieve something no previous Super Falconets team has managed: ending Nigeria’s wait for a first Women’s U20 World Cup crown. Their route begins in Group F against Spain, China and New Caledonia.
