Visa Crisis Forces Falconets Into Last-Minute Squad Changes For World Cup

According to Ireporter Online, the two players could not travel with the rest of the squad, prompting the Nigeria Football Federation to draft Vivian Kachi and Alaba Olabiyi into the team as replacements.

The visa complications had earlier disrupted the team’s travel arrangements before 20 players eventually arrived in Poland on Tuesday.

Head coach Moses Aduku’s team has now settled in Trzebnica and commenced preparations for the tournament. The Falconets held their first training session on Wednesday at the Stadion Miejski, Fair Play Arena, focusing on tactical organisation, technical execution, physical fitness and team coordination.

As part of their final preparations, Nigeria will play two international friendly matches. The team will take on hosts Poland at the Municipal Stadium in Brzeg on Friday, August 28, before facing the Korea Republic at the Remes Resort & Spa Football Stadium on September 1.

The friendly matches are expected to give Aduku and his technical crew an opportunity to assess the available players, test their tactical approach and make final adjustments ahead of the tournament.

Meanwhile, striker Janet Akekoromowei remains a major doubt for Nigeria despite travelling to Poland with the squad. Reports indicate that her Portuguese club, Benfica, has yet to release her for the competition.

The former Bayelsa Queens forward reportedly suffered a serious injury during the qualifiers in February, with Benfica subsequently supporting her rehabilitation. Her possible absence would further reduce Aduku’s options ahead of the tournament.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group F alongside Spain, China PR and New Caledonia. The Falconets will open their campaign against Spain on September 7, followed by a clash with China PR on September 10 before concluding the group stage against New Caledonia three days later.

The Nigerian side, who have finished as runners-up twice at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, will be aiming to claim their first title in Poland.

Nigeria, Brazil and the United States are the only teams to have participated in every edition of the competition, following Germany’s failure to qualify for this year’s tournament.