Nigeria’s Falconets completed their pre-tournament preparations with a 1-1 draw against Korea Republic at the Remes Sports Leisure and Spa Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, with Mary Mamudu scoring for the African side before Korea Republic equalised from the penalty spot.
Mamudu gave Nigeria the lead in the 29th minute, maintaining her recent form in front of goal. The forward had also scored in the Falconets’ previous warm-up match, a victory over Poland last Saturday.
Her goal put Moses Aduku’s team in front as they brought their series of friendly matches to a close ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Korea Republic responded after the interval and eventually restored parity with 12 minutes remaining. The equaliser came from a penalty, ensuring the Falconets’ final friendly ended level.
Nigeria will now switch their focus to their World Cup campaign, which begins with a Group F fixture against Spain on Monday, September 7. That match will be played at the Arena Sosnowiec in Sosnowiec.
The Falconets will remain at the same stadium for their second group match, when they face China on Thursday, September 10.
Their final Group F game is against New Caledonia on Sunday, September 13. That fixture will take place at the Stadion Miejski ?KS ?odz in ?odz.
The draw with Korea Republic brings Nigeria’s warm-up schedule to an end as they prepare for the opening round of the competition. The Falconets will be looking to carry the positive aspects of their recent performances into the tournament and make a strong start in Poland.
Mamudu’s goals in consecutive friendly matches provide the latest indication of her contribution in attack before the World Cup. She scored against Poland last Saturday and followed that effort with Nigeria’s opening goal against Korea Republic.
The late penalty denied Nigeria a second successive warm-up victory, but the result means they finish their pre-World Cup preparations with an encouraging performance against Korea Republic.
Aduku’s side now have three Group F fixtures ahead of them, beginning with Spain before matches against China and New Caledonia. The outcome of those games will determine Nigeria’s progress in the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The Falconets’ first two group matches will be staged at the Arena Sosnowiec, while their final fixture will be played in ?odz.
By Adeboye Amosu
Adeboye Amosu is a Senior Content Writer and an NPFL expert who covers the Super Eagles and Chelsea.