Nigeria target historic Women’s U20 World Cup triumph as Moses names 21-player squad

Nigeria will attempt to win the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup for the first time after head coach Aduku Moses announced his 21-player squad for the tournament in Poland.

The Super Falconets have qualified for every edition of the Women’s U20 World Cup and are preparing for their 12th appearance in the competition. However, Nigeria have never lifted the trophy, despite reaching the final on two occasions.

Their previous finals came in 2010 and 2014, with Germany defeating them each time. Moses will now hope his latest squad can finally take the country to the top of the world game at youth level.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group F, where they will face Spain, China and New Caledonia. The Super Falconets will need to negotiate that group successfully if they are to begin another challenge for the title.

Moses has selected Uzoma Christiana, Adebayo Jumai and 19 other players for the campaign. The squad includes three goalkeepers, five defenders, six midfielders and seven forwards.

The Nigeria squad for the Women’s U20 World Cup is:

Goalkeepers: Uzoma Christiana Ijirigho Jane Etim Bright Effiong

Defenders: Lucky Victory Ekezie Onyedikachi Adebayo Jumai Adeshina Tumininu Ibrahim Hannah

Midfielders: Nkwocha Favour Mafisere Kafayat Rafiu Tosin Adegbemile Rebecca Ogbolu Amber

Forwards: David Winner Onajite Joseph Queen Kareem Ramotalahi Nwachukwu Chisom Olabiyi Folajomi Mamudu Mary Oscar Precious Akekoromowei Janet

Nigeria’s record of appearing at every Women’s U20 World Cup underlines their consistency in the competition, but their failure to convert that regular presence into a title remains a significant gap in the country’s football history.

The Super Falconets have come within one victory of becoming world champions twice, only to lose to Germany in both finals. Their latest opportunity will begin in Group F, against three opponents including Spain and China, as well as New Caledonia.

Moses has now confirmed the players who will carry Nigeria’s hopes in Poland, with the team seeking to end the wait for a first Women’s U20 World Cup crown.