FIFA U-20 World Cup: Visa Setbacks, Club Dispute Deplete Falconets’ Squad Ahead of Poland 2026
Nigeria’s Falconets have departed for Poland on Monday night ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, but with a depleted squad due to visa challenges and a club-release dispute involving some of the team’s key players.
The Falconets completed their final phase of preparations in Abuja before departing Nigeria on Monday night for Poland, where they will begin their campaign in Group F against Spain, China PR and New Caledonia.
However, the team’s preparations have been complicated by the unavailability of captain Joy Igbokwe and defender Shakirat Moshood, while the participation of striker Janet Akekoromowei remains uncertain due to a dispute with her Portuguese club, Benfica.
Igbokwe stranded in Nigeria after visa denial
Captain Joy Igbokwe is yet to join the team after reportedly being denied an entry visa.
The Nasarawa Amazons midfielder was one of the Falconets’ most influential players throughout the qualifying campaign and played a central role in Nigeria’s successful journey to the World Cup.
Her absence would be a major blow to Head Coach Moses Aduku, particularly with the tournament now only days away.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is understood to be making efforts to resolve the situation and secure the captain’s arrival in Poland before Nigeria’s opening fixture.
Moshood suffers documentation setback
The Falconets have also been forced to contend with the absence of dependable defender Shakirat Moshood, who reportedly failed to secure a visa due to documentation issues.
Moshood’s unavailability further reduces Aduku’s options as Nigeria prepares for a demanding group-stage campaign.
Benfica hold up Akekoromowei’s release
There is also uncertainty surrounding striker Janet Akekoromowei, with Benfica reportedly reluctant to release the forward for the tournament.
The lanky striker was an important part of Nigeria’s qualifying campaign.
An injury suffered during the qualifiers had delayed her transfer to Benfica for more than five months, but after completing her recovery,
Akekoromowei eventually finalised her move to the Portuguese club.
Benfica, however, are reportedly unwilling to release her for the World Cup.
The NFF is said to be engaging the club in an effort to secure Akekoromowei’s release, with the federation racing against time to resolve the matter before Nigeria’s opening game.
Falconets targeting historic title
Despite the setbacks, Nigeria head to Poland with high expectations after an impressive qualifying campaign.
The Falconets defeated Rwanda 5–0 on aggregate, overcame Senegal 3–1 and edged Malawi 3–2 on aggregate to secure their place at the tournament.
Nigeria have twice finished as runners-up at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, in 2010 and 2014, but are yet to lift the trophy.
Coach Moses Aduku has expressed confidence in his players, stressing that the team has been adequately prepared physically and mentally for the challenge ahead.
The Falconets will face Spain on September 7, China PR on September 10 and New Caledonia on September 13 in Group F.
Nigeria are also the only African nation to have featured at every edition of the competition since its inaugural staging as an U-19 tournament in Canada in 2002.
With the tournament fast approaching, resolving the visa and player-release issues has become an urgent priority for the NFF as the Falconets seek to begin their campaign with their strongest possible squad.
