Nigeria’s Falconets continued their impressive build-up to the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a spirited 2-2 draw against Abuja-based FC Liberty Boys in a competitive friendly played on Saturday at the FIFA Goal Project, Abuja.
The seven-time African champions held their own against the physically stronger boys’ side, showcasing resilience, tactical discipline and attacking intent in a lively contest that further underlined the team’s steady development under head coach Moses Aduku.
The friendly formed part of the Falconets’ intensive World Cup preparations, with the players once again demonstrating growing confidence, cohesion and the ability to compete under demanding conditions.
Speaking after the encounter, Aduku praised his players for their continuous improvement and commitment to the team’s playing philosophy.
“The girls are improving with every game. We’re deliberately playing against both male and female teams to test our resilience and measure our progress.
“They are working hard and gradually adapting to our style of play. I give them credit because they followed instructions well,” he said.
The coach, however, acknowledged that there is still room for improvement, particularly in maintaining concentration after taking the lead.
“After scoring, we must learn to protect our goal and avoid conceding cheap goals. The two goals we conceded were largely due to loss of concentration rather than pressure from the opposition.
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We still have a few weeks before the World Cup, and I’m confident the team will reach the level where they can compete with any opponent.”
Aduku also disclosed that the Falconets are expected to embark on an overseas training tour later this month, expressing confidence that the Nigeria Football Federation is putting the necessary arrangements in place to ensure optimal preparation for the tournament.
FC Liberty Boys coach Kenny Owojori lauded the Falconets for their spirited display, saying the Nigerian girls proved difficult opponents throughout the match.
“It was a very good game. Playing against the national team is never easy, even when it’s boys against girls. I want to give kudos to the girls because they fought hard and made it very competitive,” he said.
Owojori noted that his players approached the game carefully to avoid injuries while ensuring the contest remained competitive.
Assistant captain of the Falconets team Uzoma Christiana described the match as another valuable test for the team, admitting that the boys presented a tougher challenge than previous opponents.
“Today’s game was good, and this is just the beginning. It was tougher than our previous match, but we gave everything to ensure we didn’t lose,” she said.
She also appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the team, assuring fans that the Falconets are determined to make history at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
“We want Nigerians to keep praying for us and supporting us. We are assuring them that we are going to the World Cup with the determination to make the country proud and fight to win the trophy.”
With another encouraging performance against strong opposition, the Falconets continue to build confidence, sharpen their tactical approach and strengthen hopes of delivering an outstanding campaign at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
