Ambassador Obi lifts Falconets' morale ahead of crucial China clash
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Poland, Ambassador Margareta Mary Obi, has rallied the Falconets ahead of their crucial second Group F fixture against China at the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
The Nigerian diplomat was at the Stadion Sosnowiec on Monday to watch the Falconets’ opening game against Spain, which ended in a 2-0 defeat for the two-time silver medallists.
Rather than allow the result to dampen the team’s spirit, Obi and officials of the Nigerian mission offered their support throughout the encounter.
Following the match, Ambassador Obi met with the players and members of the technical crew, urging them to remain positive and put the defeat behind them.
She praised their performance against Spain and encouraged the team to approach their next assignment with confidence and determination.
In a gesture that further boosted the players’ morale, the ambassador provided Nigerian food for the team, giving the young players a comforting taste of home while competing thousands of kilometres away.
Her visit and words of encouragement came at a crucial time as the Falconets prepare for what could be a decisive encounter against China.
The Falconets will return to the Stadion Sosnowiec on Thursday evening to face a highly motivated Chinese side, who opened their campaign with a commanding 5-0 victory over New Caledonia.
China currently lead Group F ahead of Spain on goal difference, making Thursday’s encounter particularly important for Nigeria.
Nigeria and China have previously met twice at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. China won their first meeting 3-0 in the group stage in Russia in 2006, while the Falconets secured a 1-1 draw in Dinan-Léhon at the 2018 tournament in France, with a late own goal by a Chinese defender helping Nigeria advance to the quarter finals.
Falconets head coach Moses Aduku, speaking on Wednesday night, said the team had already moved on from the defeat to Spain and was fully focused on China.
“We have put the match against Spain behind us and are focusing totally on the clash with China. The players are ready to come out stronger for the match against China,” Aduku said.
Join the Savid News channel on WhatsApp:
