The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has welcomed the Under-20 Women's National Team, known as the Falconets, back to Nigeria after their participation in the 2026 FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup finals in Poland. Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, Acting General Secretary of the NFF, received the players and officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The team was accompanied by several NFF management members, including the Director of Legal Services, Okey Obi, and the Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen.
The Falconets returned to Nigeria after crashing out of the competition at the quarter-final stage, conceding a stoppage-time goal to Colombia in Łódź on Sunday. The team finished second in Group F with four points, having lost 0-2 to Spain, drawn 0-0 with China, and thrashed New Caledonia 10-1. The Nigerian team also defeated England Under-20 women's team 3-0 in a historic round of 16 match to qualify for the quarter-finals.
Ademola Olajire, NFF's Director of Media and Communications, disclosed the details of the welcome ceremony in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja. According to Olajire, Ikpeme was accompanied by other NFF officials, including the Director of Protocol, Barnabas Joro, Acting Director of Member Associations, Ali Muhammad, and Deputy Director of Audit, Margaret Magai.
The Falconets have a history of success in the FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup, having reached the final twice and finishing as runners-up in 2010 and 2014. The team's performance in the 2026 tournament was marked by a strong showing in the group stage and a notable win against England in the round of 16.
The NFF officials welcomed the players and their handlers back to the country following their campaign at the global tournament. The welcome ceremony was a gesture of appreciation for the team's efforts and achievements in the competition.
The Falconets' exit from the tournament was a narrow one, with the team losing to Colombia in the quarter-finals. Despite the loss, the team's performance was seen as a positive one, with several players showing promise and skill throughout the tournament.
The return of the Falconets to Nigeria marks the end of their campaign in the 2026 FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup. The team's experience and achievements in the tournament will likely serve as a valuable learning experience for the players and coaches, and will contribute to the growth and development of women's football in Nigeria.
Key points
- The Falconets were welcomed back to Nigeria by NFF officials after their quarter-final exit from the 2026 FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup.
- The team finished second in Group F and defeated England Under-20 women's team 3-0 in the round of 16.
- The Falconets have reached the FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup final twice, finishing as runners-up in 2010 and 2014.
