The Nigerian side takes on England at Stadion Miejski Bielsko-Biała in a round-of-16 encounter that presents a significantly tougher challenge than their emphatic final group-stage victory.
Aduku, however, said the prospect of lifting the trophy has been central to his plans since he was appointed coach and insisted that his players have embraced the same objective.
“It will not surprise us. Right from the first day I was appointed, I made it clear to the players and the backroom staff that my vision is to win the World Cup. And I told them they could back out if they were not ready,” Aduku said.
“So, if we win by Thursday, it will not be a surprise for me, and the celebrations will end on the pitch, and we will focus on the next game. We will make Nigeria proud, by God’s grace.”
Falconets Regain Momentum
Nigeria secured their place in the knockout rounds in emphatic fashion, producing a 10-1 demolition of New Caledonia in their final group game last Sunday.
The result came after a difficult start to the tournament. The Falconets opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain before playing out a goalless draw against China.
The commanding victory over New Caledonia provided a major boost, with Nigeria's attack finally finding its rhythm ahead of the more demanding knockout stage.
Ramotalahi Kareem led the scoring charge, converting from the penalty spot before completing her hat-trick. Substitute Winner Onajite David also found the net three times as the Falconets booked their passage into the last 16.
The attacking display will give Aduku confidence, but the coach knows that England will present a different test and that Nigeria must remain disciplined at both ends of the pitch.
Focus on Scoring and Defending
With little room for error in the knockout stage, Aduku said the team has returned to work on both its attacking efficiency and defensive organisation.
“We have been back in training and working on goal scoring and defending. This is the future for Nigeria because after this level, they will move to the next level of their careers.”
The coach's emphasis comes as Nigeria attempts to build on its strong attacking performance while avoiding the defensive lapses that could prove costly against a stronger opponent.
History Offers Extra Motivation
Nigeria's record at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup provides another source of motivation.
The Falconets have participated in every edition of the tournament since it began in 2002, making Nigeria one of only three nations — alongside Brazil and the United States — to have appeared at every edition.
Nigeria has twice reached the final, finishing runners-up in 2010 and 2014. The team also claimed a bronze medal in 2012.
Both of Nigeria's final defeats came against Germany, leaving the Falconets still searching for their first world title.
Germany's failure to qualify for this year's tournament means the Falconets are now among the most experienced teams remaining in the competition.
England Stands Between Falconets and Quarter-Finals
The immediate task, however, is England.
The round-of-16 meeting represents the next step in Nigeria's pursuit of a maiden U-20 Women's World Cup crown. A victory would send the Falconets into the quarter-finals and keep Aduku's title ambitions alive.
For a team with a long history at the competition but no championship to show for its consistent appearances, the encounter in Bielsko-Biała offers another opportunity to move closer to the trophy.
Aduku has already made his expectations clear to his players. The objective is not simply to advance from one round to another, but to remain in contention until the final whistle of the tournament.