FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup: Ambassador Mary Obi Lifts Falconets Ahead of China Clash

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Poland, Ambassador Margareta Mary Obi, has moved to lift the spirits of the Falconets ahead of their crucial Group F encounter with China at the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, despite Nigeria’s disappointing 0-2 opening defeat to Spain.

Ambassador Mary Obi watched the match at Stadion Sosnowiec alongside mission officials and, rather than allow the result to dampen her support, met with the players and technical crew afterwards to encourage them to put the defeat behind them.

She told the team they had played good football and urged them to remain confident as they prepare for Thursday’s decisive encounter with China.

In a gesture that further boosted the team’s morale, the ambassador also brought Nigerian food for the players, giving the Falconets a taste of home while on international duty in Poland.

The Falconets, two-time runners-up at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, will return to Stadion Sosnowiec on Thursday evening knowing that they need a positive result against a China side that began its campaign in impressive fashion, thrashing New Caledonia 5-0 to move top of Group F ahead of Spain on goal difference.

Nigeria and China have faced each other twice previously at the tournament. China won their first meeting 3-0 in the 2006 edition in Russia, while the Falconets secured a 1-1 draw in France in 2018 after a late own goal by a Chinese defender, a result that helped Nigeria advance to the quarter-finals.

Falconets coach Moses Aduku said the team has already moved on from the defeat to Spain and is fully focused on responding against 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.