Falconets head coach Moses Aduku has assured Nigerians that the team will be fully ready and aggressive when they step onto the pitch of the Stadion Miejski LKS Łódź on Sunday, 13 September 2026, for their decisive clash against New Caledonia.
During his press conference, Aduku stressed the importance of the moment and the team’s determination:
The results in their last two matches notwithstanding, we will not under‑rate our opponents. I am happy because the girls are in good spirits and ready to go, and there are no injuries in our camp as I speak. We all know the implication of our not scoring goals on Sunday, so we will go in there and focus on scoring goals to stand a chance of reaching the next round. We cannot afford to go back home now.
Nigeria enter the final Group F match with 1 point from 2 games, making Sunday’s encounter a must‑win fixture.
Qualification Pathways for the Falconets
Softfootball has already analysed how Nigeria Falconents can reach the Round of 16, and the scenarios remain clear:
1. Finish 2nd in Group F
Nigeria can secure second place if they:
- Beat New Caledonia
- Spain beat China
- Finish with a better goal difference than China
This route sends Nigeria to face England in the Round of 16.
2. Qualify as One of the Best Third‑Placed Teams
Even a narrow 1–0 win is enough:
- Nigeria would finish on 4 points, surpassing Ecuador (3 points)
- This route sets up a Round‑of‑16 clash with France or Italy
With no injuries, high morale, and a clear understanding of what is at stake, Aduku’s Falconets know that victory guarantees progression. Sunday’s match in Łódź is not just another group game — it is the moment that will decide whether Nigeria remain in the tournament as Africa’s last representatives.
