Visa issues sideline Falconets captain Igbokwe, defender Abdulwahab for U-20 WWC

Visa issues have ruled out Falconets captain Joe Igbokwe and defender Faridat Abdulwahab from Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. Coach Moses Aduku called up Vivian Kachi to replace Igbokwe as captain and Alaba Olabiyi to take Abdulwahab’s place in defense. The team arrived in Trzebnica on Tuesday, August 26, and will play a friendly against hosts Poland at the Municipal Stadium in Brzeg on Friday, August 30. A second pre‑tournament friendly is scheduled for next Tuesday, September 2, against Korea Republic at the Remes Resort & Spa Football Stadium.

Nigeria is drawn in Group F alongside Spain, China PR and New Caledonia, opening their campaign against Spain on Monday, September 7. The absence of the team’s established captain and a starting defender raises questions about leadership and defensive stability just days before the tournament begins. Fans will be watching to see how quickly the newcomers gel with the rest of the squad and whether the team can adjust its tactics in time for the opener.

Will you give the new captain and defender your support as they step into bigger roles, or do you think the visa setbacks will hurt Nigeria’s chances of advancing from the group?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/27/u-20-wwc-visa-issues-rule-out-falconets-captain-igbokwe-abdulwahab/