2026 U-20 WWC: Ikpeme Charges Falconets To Beat New Caledonia, Qualify For Round Of 16

Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Emmanuel Ikpeme, has urged the Falconets to rise to the occasion and secure a convincing victory over New Caledonia in their final Group Stage match at the ongoing 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Sunday.

The Falconets were held to a goalless draw by China on Thursday, leaving them with one point from two matches.

Following their 2-0 defeat to Spain in their opening game on Monday, Nigeria now needs a big win against New Caledonia to improve its goal difference and strengthen its chances of advancing to the Round of 16.

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Ikpeme Rallies Falconets

Speaking to the players by phone after their training session in Łódź on Saturday, Ikpeme charged the team to remain focused and determined to achieve their objective.

“You have a great chance to qualify for the Round of 16 if you win and win well against New Caledonia,” Ikpeme told the players.

“It is a good opportunity for you to prove yourselves, but you must approach the match with clarity of purpose, focus and ambition.

“You had a good game against China, but you did not score. So, our country is still on one point. Against New Caledonia, the goals are important. We need to get to four points and put ourselves in a strong position to reach the knockout rounds.”