The Polish coach says the opener against Nigeria could shape Group B, and her side have studied the Flamingos’ direct and physical style.
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Poland U-17 women’s coach Paulina Kawalec says her side want a winning start against Nigeria’s Flamingos when the two meet in their opening Group B game at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. As reported by FootballInNigeria.com.ng, the match takes place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat on Saturday.
Poland will also face defending champions DPR Korea and Puerto Rico in the group, so a positive result against Nigeria matters. Kawalec told FIFA that the opener could have a major influence on how the rest of the tournament unfolds.
She said the squad wants to pick up points before facing DPR Korea in their second game. The aim, she added, is to score at least one more goal than the opposition.
Studying The Flamingos
Kawalec said her staff have analysed several of Nigeria’s games. They identified “a very direct style of play” built around long balls.
She also pointed to Nigeria’s physical and athletic qualities. In her view, handling that physicality may be a bigger challenge than the tactical side of the game.
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How Poland Got Here
Poland booked their place by beating England 2-0 in a play off at the UEFA Women’s U-17 Championship, with Zofia Burzan scoring both goals. It secured the fifth and final European spot in Morocco.
It’s only Poland’s second appearance at the tournament. They reached the quarter finals on their debut in 2024, and Kawalec has now led them to two European Championships and a World Cup.
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What Nigeria Bring
Nigeria qualified by beating Benin in the final round of African qualifying, and this is their ninth World Cup. Their best finish is third place, in 2022.
Coach Akeem Busari has captain Harmony Chidi among FIFA’s players to watch in the group.
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Is a direct approach enough against a side that has scouted it? Poland will hope their organisation can contain the Flamingos’ physical threat, while Nigeria will want to prove the scouting wrong. The first whistle isn’t far away.
📌 Did You Know?
- Nigeria have missed only the 2018 edition since 2008.
- At the 2024 World Cup, Poland played four games, winning one, drawing two and losing one, and conceded only once.
- Poland won the UEFA Women’s U-17 Championship in 2013, their best result at that level.
- Poland’s squad has 21 players, with an average age of 16.7 years.
- Poland lost all three group games at the 2025 European Championship, yet still qualified for this World Cup.
