U-20 WWC: Falconets Lose Captain Igbokwe, Abdulwahab Over Visa Issues
Nigeria’s Falconets have suffered a late setback ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, with captain Joe Igbokwe and defender Faridat Abdulwahab ruled out of the tournament due to visa complications.
The two players were unable to obtain entry visas to Poland and have subsequently been replaced in the squad by Vivian Kachi and Alaba Olabiyi.
The Falconets, under head coach Moses Aduku, arrived in Trzebnica on Tuesday and have intensified preparations for the tournament.
As part of their build-up, Nigeria will face hosts Poland in a friendly at the Municipal Stadium in Brzeg on Friday. They will then play Korea Republic in their final warm-up match at the Remes Resort & Spa Football Stadium next Tuesday.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group F alongside Spain, China PR and New Caledonia.
The Falconets will open their campaign against Spain on Monday, September 7, before facing their other group opponents.
The loss of Igbokwe, who was set to lead the team as captain, and Abdulwahab comes as a major disruption to Aduku’s plans just days before the tournament gets underway.
The two players were unable to obtain entry visas to Poland and have subsequently been replaced in the squad by Vivian Kachi and Alaba Olabiyi.
The Falconets, under head coach Moses Aduku, arrived in Trzebnica on Tuesday and have intensified preparations for the tournament.
As part of their build-up, Nigeria will face hosts Poland in a friendly at the Municipal Stadium in Brzeg on Friday. They will then play Korea Republic in their final warm-up match at the Remes Resort & Spa Football Stadium next Tuesday.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group F alongside Spain, China PR and New Caledonia.
The Falconets will open their campaign against Spain on Monday, September 7, before facing their other group opponents.
The loss of Igbokwe, who was set to lead the team as captain, and Abdulwahab comes as a major disruption to Aduku’s plans just days before the tournament gets underway.
