FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup: Korea Republic Hold Nigeria Falconets to 1-1 Draw in Final Friendly

Nigeria’s Falconets have ended their final preparations for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Korea Republic in their second and final international friendly in Poland.

Forward Mary Mamudu continued her impressive pre-tournament form by putting Nigeria ahead in the 29th minute at the Remes Sports Leisure and Spa Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. Korea Republic, however, drew level from the penalty spot with 12 minutes remaining to ensure the game ended all square.

The result means the Falconets conclude their two-match warm-up programme in Poland unbeaten, following their 1-0 victory over hosts Poland on Friday, August 28.

Mamudu was also the match-winner against Poland, scoring in first-half stoppage time at the Municipal Stadium in Brzeg to give Coach Moses Aduku’s side a morale-boosting victory.

Unbeaten in final warm-ups

The two friendly matches provided the Falconets with valuable preparation ahead of their World Cup campaign, allowing the technical crew to test the players against two different styles of opposition while adapting to conditions in Poland.

Nigeria’s final warm-up record is therefore:

• 🇳🇬 Nigeria 1-0 Poland — August 28
  ⚽ Mary Mamudu

• 🇳🇬 Nigeria 1-1 Korea Republic — September 1
  ⚽ Mary Mamudu

With the friendly programme now completed, attention turns to the tournament proper.

The Falconets will open their Group F campaign against Spain on Monday, September 7, in Sosnowiec. They will then face China PR on Thursday, September 10, before concluding the group stage against New Caledonia on Sunday, September 13, in Łódź.

Nigeria are two-time FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup runners-up, having reached the final in 2010 and 2014, and will be aiming to go one step further in Poland and win the country’s first title in the competition.

The Falconets will now shift their full focus to Spain, with Nigeria looking to begin their latest World Cup campaign on a winning note and continue their pursuit of a historic maiden U20 Women’s World Cup title.