The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports that the Falconets planned to boycott training ahead of their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup quarter-final against Colombia.
The federation described the reports as false and said the Nigeria U-20 women’s team was preparing for its final training session before the crucial knockout fixture.
Key Takeaways
- The NFF denied reports that the Falconets planned to boycott training.
- Nigeria will face Colombia in the U-20 Women’s World Cup quarter-final.
- The match is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, at Stadion Miejski ŁKS in Łódź.
- The Falconets reached the quarter-finals after defeating England 3-0.
- Several Nigeria players have impressed during the tournament, with Winner Onajite David and Ramotalahi Kareem scoring three goals each.
NFF Rejects Falconets Training Boycott Report
Reports had emerged suggesting that members of the Falconets were considering refusing to train ahead of their quarter-final clash with Colombia.
The NFF, however, rejected the reports and said the team was proceeding with its preparations for the match.
“Reports in a section of the media that the Falconets are planning to boycott training are an absolute falsehood,” the federation stated.
The NFF added that the players were heading for their final training session before the Colombia game.
“The girls are now heading to training for their last session before tomorrow’s match against Colombia,” the federation said.
The clarification came as Nigeria prepared for a place in the semi-finals of the U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Falconets Prepare For Colombia Quarter-Final
The Falconets will face Colombia at Stadion Miejski ŁKS in Łódź at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 20.
The quarter-final represents another major test for Nigeria after the team progressed from the Round of 16 with a convincing victory over England.
A win against Colombia would send the Falconets into the semi-finals of the competition.
The NFF’s statement therefore puts the focus back on the team’s preparations for the knockout encounter following the reports about an alleged training boycott.
How Nigeria Reached The Last Eight
Nigeria secured their place in the quarter-finals with a 3-0 victory over England in the Round of 16.
Captain Christianah Uzoma played a key role in the win after saving Rachel Maltby’s penalty in the 33rd minute.
Her intervention helped Nigeria maintain their advantage as the Falconets progressed to the last eight of the tournament.
The team’s attacking players have also made a significant contribution to its campaign.
Falconets’ Key Performers
Winner Onajite David and Ramotalahi Kareem have each scored three goals at the tournament.
Janet Akekoromowei, Tosin Rafiu and Rebecca Adegbemile have also contributed two goals apiece.
The performances have given Nigeria several attacking options as the Falconets prepare to face Colombia in the quarter-final.
Uzoma’s penalty save against England has also highlighted the contribution of the team’s captain during the knockout stage.
Aduku Eyes Future Super Falcons Players
Falconets head coach Moses Aduku believes several members of the squad have the potential to progress to Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons.
He described the U-20 World Cup as an important platform for the players to develop before making the transition to the senior level.
“I think the girls are doing well. We need to do more,” Aduku told FIFA.
He also stressed that the players would need to continue applying themselves as they pursue a future place in the senior national team.
“There is going to be a transition to the senior national team from this junior side. So they really need to apply themselves. This is just the platform.”
What Comes Next For Nigeria
The immediate task for the Falconets is the quarter-final against Colombia in Łódź.
Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over England has secured a place among the final eight, but the team must now overcome Colombia to advance to the semi-finals.
The NFF’s denial has also clarified that, according to the federation, the reported training boycott is false and that the Falconets were proceeding with their preparations for the knockout fixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Falconets boycott training?
No. The NFF described reports that the Falconets were planning to boycott training as false and said the players were heading to their final training session before the Colombia match.
Who will the Falconets face in the quarter-final?
Nigeria will face Colombia in the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup quarter-final.
When will Nigeria play Colombia?
The quarter-final is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, at 2 p.m.
Where will the Falconets play Colombia?
The match will take place at Stadion Miejski ŁKS in Łódź.
How did Nigeria reach the quarter-finals?
The Falconets defeated England 3-0 in the Round of 16 to book their place in the last eight.
Who are Nigeria’s leading scorers at the tournament?
Winner Onajite David and Ramotalahi Kareem have each scored three goals, while Janet Akekoromowei, Tosin Rafiu and Rebecca Adegbemile have scored two each.
Falconets Turn Focus To Colombia Quarter-Final
With the NFF rejecting the training-boycott reports, the Falconets’ attention remains on their quarter-final assignment against Colombia.
Nigeria enters the knockout fixture after an impressive 3-0 victory over England, with the team now seeking to progress further in the U-20 Women’s World Cup.
