Goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma will captain Nigeria’s Falconets at the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, with Alaba Olabiyi serving as her deputy following the absence of regular skipper Joy Igbokwe.

Igbokwe and two other players including Farida Opeyemi Abdulwahab were unable to secure visas for the tournament, forcing a change in the team’s leadership ahead of Nigeria’s opening game against Spain on September 7.

Uzoma has consequently been handed the responsibility of leading the two-time World Cup runners-up, while Olabiyi is expected to play an important supporting role on the pitch.

A team source told NationSport that because Uzoma is a goalkeeper, Olabiyi could be required to handle some of the captain’s interactions with match officials during games, particularly when situations occur far from the Nigerian goal.

The new leadership arrangement will get another test on today when the Falconets face Korea Republic in their final friendly before the World Cup.

The match at the Remes Sports Leisure and Spa Stadium will provide the Nigerian side with another opportunity to fine-tune their preparations following Friday’s 1-0 victory over hosts Poland.

Mary Mamudu scored the decisive goal in first-half stoppage time at the Municipal Stadium in Brzeg as Nigeria secured an encouraging victory ahead of the tournament.

The Korea Republic encounter is expected to be the Falconets’ final competitive test before attention turns fully to their Group F campaign.

Beyond preparing the team tactically, the friendly should also help Uzoma and Olabiyi settle into their leadership responsibilities following the disruption caused by Igbokwe’s absence.

Nigeria have been drawn alongside Spain, China PR and New Caledonia in Group F.

The Falconets begin their campaign against Spain on September 7 before facing China PR on September 10. They will complete the group stage against New Caledonia on September 13.

Nigeria have a strong history at the U20 Women’s World Cup, finishing runners-up in 2010 and 2014. (The Nation)