Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, are set to discover their group-stage opponents for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland later this week. According to FIFA, the official draw for the tournament will take place on Friday, May 15, in the Polish city of Łódź, one of the four host venues.
The Falconets booked their place at the global showpiece after edging Malawi 3–2 on aggregate in a tense final qualifying tie, extending Nigeria’s record of appearing at every edition of the competition since 2002. Nigeria, two-time runners-up at the U-20 Women’s World Cup, are aiming to finally go one better and clinch the title in Poland.
This year’s tournament will run from September 5 to 27 across the Polish cities of Bielsko-Biała, Katowice, Łódź and Sosnowiec, with 24 teams vying for the trophy. The draw will divide the qualified nations into six groups of four, setting the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive group phase.
Nigeria are expected to be placed in one of the top seeding pots based on their historic record and recent qualification performances. Coaches and players alike have expressed excitement and optimism as they await news of their group rivals and potential heavyweight clashes.
The draw ceremony will be broadcast live on FIFA’s digital platforms, including FIFA+, YouTube and TikTok, allowing fans in Nigeria and around the world to follow the Falconets’ road-map to Poland 2026 in real time. The Nigeria Football Federation has also promised to intensify preparations immediately after the draw, fine-tuning camping plans and friendly matches ahead of the tournament
About the author
Court sentences ex-power minister Saleh Mamman to 75 years over ₦33.8bn fraud
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years in prison after finding him guilty of diverting about ₦33.8 billion in public funds. Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Wednesday, convicting Mamman on all 12 counts of money laundering and fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court held that the EFCC proved beyond reasonable doubt that Mamman diverted funds earmarked for key national power projects, including the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power schemes. Investigators told the court that large sums were moved through contractors and cronies before being traced to the former minister’s personal accounts and assets. Justice Omotosho noted that Mamman personally benefited from the fraud, including the cash payment of 655,700 dollars (about ₦200 million) for a property in Abuja, in […]
YouTube was never designed for films, says filmmaker Bolaji Ogunmola
Nollywood actress and filmmaker Bolaji Ogunmola has argued that YouTube was never originally designed as a platform for films, insisting that proper filmmaking is too expensive to be treated lightly. Speaking in a recent interview with media personality Jay On-Air, she said many viewers do not realise the financial risks producers take when they put full movies on the video-sharing site. Ogunmola explained that film is a “very expensive art”, from script development and location costs to equipment, crew and post-production. She noted that some actors now charge between ₦4 million and ₦5 million for just four days on set, before other production expenses are even considered. According to her, many critics who complain about adverts, low budgets or storytelling quality on YouTube films have little idea how much money is tied up in a single project. She maintained that […]
Frank Edoho: I earned over ₦100,000 monthly in early ‘Millionaire’ years
Veteran TV host Frank Edoho has revealed that he earned just over ₦100,000 as his monthly salary in the early years of hosting the popular game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”. He made the disclosure while speaking at a seminar, in a video later shared on his Instagram page, where he reflected on his career journey and the realities behind his polished on-screen image. Edoho explained that for the first two years on the show, his monthly pay was “a hundred and something thousand naira,” even though he had to appear on air looking like a millionaire. He joked that he “had to wear a suit as if I owned all the money,” highlighting the contrast between public perception and his actual earnings at the time. The broadcaster said his salary improved significantly after telecoms giant MTN came […]
Do2dtun backs Frank Edoho over failed marriage revelations
Media personality Oladotun Ojuolape Kayode, popularly known as Do2dtun, has expressed support for popular TV host Frank Edoho following his recent revelations about his failed marriages. Edoho, famed as the host of the game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”, had disclosed on social media that he has endured two failed marriages and vowed never to commit to a woman again. Reacting in the comment section of Edoho’s post, Do2dtun said he had followed the broadcaster’s situation closely over the years and praised him for handling his private battles with dignity. He commended Edoho for maintaining grace in the face of accusations and gossip, noting that many people had no idea what he was dealing with behind the scenes. Do2dtun described Edoho as a “good man” who does not deserve the hurt he has experienced, especially after the end […]
Iwobi hopeful of quick return after injury blow
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has expressed optimism that he will return to action soon after suffering a hamstring injury during Fulham’s recent Premier League clash with Brentford. The 29-year-old pulled up unchallenged while chasing a loose ball and was forced off shortly before half-time in the goalless draw at the Gtech Community Stadium. Fulham manager Marco Silva initially described the setback as “really bad news”, but stressed that early indications suggested it was not a “serious, serious” hamstring problem. He said the club would have to wait for the results of a scan to determine the full extent of the damage, but remained hopeful that Iwobi could feature again before the end of the season. Providing his own update, Iwobi admitted he was frustrated by the timing of the injury but revealed he is still able to walk despite […]
Falconets set to discover FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup group rivals
Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, are set to discover their group-stage opponents for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland later this week. According to FIFA, the official draw for the tournament will take place on Friday, May 15, in the Polish city of Łódź, one of the four host venues. The Falconets booked their place at the global showpiece after edging Malawi 3–2 on aggregate in a tense final qualifying tie, extending Nigeria’s record of appearing at every edition of the competition since 2002. Nigeria, two-time runners-up at the U-20 Women’s World Cup, are aiming to finally go one better and clinch the title in Poland. This year’s tournament will run from September 5 to 27 across the Polish cities of Bielsko-Biała, Katowice, Łódź and Sosnowiec, with 24 teams vying for the trophy. The draw […]
Related
Iwobi hopeful of quick return after injury blow
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has expressed optimism that he will return to action soon after suffering a hamstring injury during Fulham’s recent Premier League clash with Brentford. The 29-year-old pulled up unchallenged while chasing a loose ball and was forced off shortly before half-time in the goalless draw at the Gtech Community Stadium. Fulham manager Marco Silva initially described the setback as “really bad news”, but stressed that early indications suggested it was not a “serious, serious” hamstring problem. He said the club would have to wait for the results of a scan to determine the full extent of the damage, but remained hopeful that Iwobi could feature again before the end of the season. Providing his own update, Iwobi admitted he was frustrated by the timing of the injury but revealed he is still able to walk despite […]
Barcelona reward Flick with new 2028 deal after La Liga triumph
Barcelona have rewarded head coach Hansi Flick with a new contract running until 2028 after he guided the club to another La Liga title. The German tactician, who took over at Camp Nou in 2024, has overseen a revival that has delivered back‑to‑back league crowns and restored confidence in the team’s long term project. According to reports, Barcelona reached a full agreement with Flick and his agent Pini Zahavi to extend his deal by an additional year beyond his previous 2027 contract. The new agreement also includes an option for a further season until 2029, depending on the achievement of specific sporting objectives. Club sources say the renewal is a reward for Flick’s impressive tenure, during which Barça have not only defended their La Liga crown but also won domestic trophies and gone deep in the Champions League. His proactive, […]
Nigerian athletes storm Ghana for African Athletics Championships
A strong contingent of Nigerian athletes has arrived in Accra, Ghana, ahead of the 24th Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Senior Athletics Championships, scheduled for May 12 to 17 at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) named a 45-athlete squad for the championships, comprising 25 women and 20 men across track and field events. World record holder Tobi Amusan headlines the women’s team and will spearhead Nigeria’s charge in the 100m hurdles, supported by Adaobi Tabugbo and Janet Sunday. Sprint star Rosemary Chukwuma leads the 100m and 4x100m relay line-up, as Nigeria targets dominance in the women’s short sprints and relays. On the men’s side, Favour Ashe anchors a formidable 100m and 4x100m relay squad that also features Enoch Adegoke, Chidera Ezeakor and Tejiri Godwin. The team also boasts competitors in the 200m, 400m, […]
Arsenal inch closer to EPL title after nervy win at West Ham
Arsenal have moved to the brink of their first Premier League title in 22 years after grinding out a nervy 1–0 victory over relegation threatened West Ham United at the London Stadium. The Gunners left it late, relying on an 83rd minute strike from Leandro Trossard and a dramatic VAR intervention in stoppage time to secure all three points. Mikel Arteta’s side dominated much of the possession but found West Ham difficult to break down, with the hosts defending deep and looking to hit on the counter. The breakthrough finally came when Martin Ødegaard combined cleverly around the box before Trossard’s shot took a deflection and wrong footed the Hammers’ goalkeeper. The closing minutes were filled with controversy. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya had already produced a stunning one on one save from Mateus Fernandes in the 77th minute, but in […]
Peter Obi hails Osimhen after Galatasaray title victory
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has congratulated Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen for his match winning performance in Galatasaray’s latest Turkish Süper Lig title triumph. Osimhen scored a decisive brace in a dramatic 4‑2 comeback win over Antalyaspor at Rams Park, sealing the Istanbul club’s record 26th league crown. In a statement shared on his X handle, Obi praised Osimhen’s resilience, discipline and commitment to excellence, describing him as one of Nigeria’s brightest football exports. “I want to join other fans in congratulating one of Nigeria’s many talented exports, Victor Osimhen, for successfully leading Galatasaray to the Turkish Süper Lig title with a brilliant performance, scoring twice in the decisive victory,” he wrote. Obi said Osimhen’s story – from humble beginnings to becoming a key figure in European football – should inspire Nigerian youths to believe in hard […]
Renewed Hope Patriotic Movement plans national football competition
The Renewed Hope Patriotic Movement has unveiled plans to organise a national football competition aimed at engaging young Nigerians and promoting unity across the country. The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and seeks to use sports as a tool for youth empowerment, peacebuilding and national cohesion. According to the organisers, the tournament – expected to run across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory – will feature grassroots teams drawn from local government areas and community clubs. It is designed not only to discover football talent for higher levels, but also to serve as a social movement that encourages discipline, teamwork and constructive engagement among young people. Earlier this year, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, was invested as patron of the broader Renewed Hope Unity Cup project at a ceremony in […]
Be the first to leave a comment