Nigeria: Emmanuel Ikpeme, Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has charged the U-20 women’s national team, Falconets, to brace up for their crucial match against New Caledonia. The Falconets will lock horns with New Caledonia in a final Group F stage match at the ongoing FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Sunday by 2 p.m.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ikpeme gave the charge in a telephone conversation with the Falconets after their training session in L³dz on Saturday. He urged the players to approach the encounter with determination, focus, and a clear objective, stressing that a convincing victory would enhance their chances of progressing to the Round of 16. The Falconets are currently third in their group with one point, following a goalless draw with China and a previous loss to Spain, making a win against New Caledonia imperative for advancement.
Meanwhile, Ikpeme also visited the camp of the U-17 women’s national team, Flamingos, ahead of their departure for the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Tournament in Yamoussoukro, C´te d’Ivoire. The tournament is scheduled to begin on Sept. 15, with the Flamingos expected to depart Nigeria on Monday. Ikpeme encouraged the players to strive for victory, highlighting the importance of success at the regional tournament as a confidence booster for the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Additionally, Ikpeme congratulated Rangers International of Enugu on their qualification for the second round of the CAF Champions League following their victory over Sobemap FC of Benin Republic. He commended the team’s resilience and urged other Nigerian clubs-Rivers United, El-Kanemi Warriors, and Shooting Stars-competing on the continent to emulate Ranger’s fighting spirit.
NAN reports that the Falconets face a must-win situation against New Caledonia to overturn their goal deficit and improve their chances of reaching the knockout stage. The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland commenced on Sept. 5 and is set to conclude on Sept. 27.