By Aderonke Ojo
Chioma Ohakim, Nigeria’s envoy to Poland, has boosted the morale of the Nigeria’s U-20 Women’s National Team, the Falconets, ahead of their crucial second Group F match against China at the ongoing 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
The Director of Media and Communications of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
“Ohakim remained supportive of the team and encouraged the players and technical crew not to be discouraged by the result in spite of Nigeria’s 0-2 defeat to Spain in their opening match of the competition on Monday.
“Ohakim watched the match at the Stadion Sosnowiec and, alongside staff of the Nigerian Mission, offered her support and encouragement to the team.
“After the match, Ohakim interacted with the players and technical crew, urging the girls to put the defeat behind them and remain focused on their next challenge against China on Thursday,” he said.
She reminded the team that they had played good football and had every reason to remain confident ahead of the crucial encounter second group match.
In a thoughtful gesture, the envoy also brought Nigerian food for the players, helping to lift their spirits and giving them a taste of home while away in Poland.
The ambassador’s presence and words of encouragement provided a timely morale boost as the Falconets turned their attention to the crucial clash with China.
The two-time silver medallists will return to the Stadion Sosnowiec on Thursday evening to take on China in a match that is crucial to their campaign.
The Chinese girls are highly motivated after a 5-0 victory over New Caledonia in their opening match, a result that placed them at the top of Group F, ahead of 2022 champions Spain on goal difference.
Coach Moses Aduku said that the team had put the defeat to Spain behind it and was now fully focused on the encounter with 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,” he said.
NAN recalls that Nigeria and China have met twice previously at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals.
In 2006 in Russia, at the tournament where the event was renamed FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup from FIFA U-19, China defeated the Falconets 3-0 in a group-stage match at the Podmoskovie Stadium.
In 2018 in France, a late own goal by a Chinese defender earned Nigeria a 1-1 draw in their match in Dinan-Léhon, a result that sent the Falconets into the quarter-finals.
NAN reports that the Falconets will face China on Thursday at 5 p.m., in their second Group F match at the Stadion Sosnowiec in Poland.
Nigeria is drawn alongside Spain, China and New Caledonia in Group F.
China leads Group F with three points and a five-goal difference, Spain are second with three points plus two goal difference, while Nigeria occupy third position with a minus-two goal difference.
New Caledonia are bottom with a minus-five goal difference.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh