Visa Issues Force Falconets To Replace Igbokwe, Abdulwahab

Nigeria’s Falconets have changed their squad for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after visa problems ruled out captain Joy Igbokwe and Faridat Abdulwahab.

Vanguard reported that Igbokwe and Abdulwahab could not travel with the team because of unresolved visa issues. Daily Post also reported the same two absences, though it described Abdulwahab as a defender while Vanguard described her as a midfielder.

The two players have been replaced by Vivian Kachi and Alaba Olabiyi. The squad arrived in Poland on Tuesday, and head coach Moses Aduku is continuing preparations ahead of the tournament.

The Falconets are scheduled to play hosts Poland in a warm-up match on Friday, August 28. They are also expected to face South Korea on September 1 before beginning their World Cup campaign.

Nigeria are in Group F with Spain, China PR and New Caledonia. The Falconets open against Spain on September 7, then face China PR on September 10 and New Caledonia on September 13.

Vanguard also reported that striker Janet Akekoromowei could miss the competition because her club, Benfica, had not released her for the tournament.

Sources: Vanguard, Daily Post