NFF acting general secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme wants the Falconets to secure a big win over New Caledonia and boost their chances of reaching the Round of 16.
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Nigeria Football Federation acting general secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme has called on the Falconets to rise to the occasion and secure a convincing win over New Caledonia in their final group stage match at the ongoing 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Sunday.
A Tricky Group Stage So Far
The Falconets were held to a goalless draw by China PR on Thursday, leaving them with just one point from two matches. Coming off a 2-0 opening defeat to Spain, Nigeria now needs a strong result against New Caledonia to improve their goal difference and boost their prospects of advancing to the knockout stages.
Ikpeme’s Message To The Squad
Speaking to the players by phone after their training session in Lodz on Saturday, Ikpeme urged the team to stay focused and determined. He told the players they have a real chance to qualify if they win and win well, describing it as an opportunity to prove themselves, but stressed the need to approach the match with clarity of purpose.
He acknowledged that the team had performed well against China but failed to convert that into goals, leaving them stuck on one point. Against New Caledonia, he said, scoring goals is essential, with the aim of reaching four points and putting Nigeria in a strong position to reach the knockout rounds.
