Nigeria’s Falconets will be looking to revive their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign when they face China in a crucial Group F encounter on Thursday.

The West Africans go into the fixture needing a positive result after suffering a 2-0 defeat to former champions Spain in their opening match of the tournament.

Head coach Moses Aduku said his players have put the disappointment behind them and are fully focused on securing a result against the Chinese side.

The Group F clash is scheduled to take place at Arena Sosnowiec and will kick off at 5 p.m. Nigerian time.

China will enter the contest with confidence following an emphatic 5-0 victory over New Caledonia in their opening fixture.

The comprehensive win has placed Wang Jun’s team at the top of Group F, ahead of Spain on goal difference, while Nigeria must avoid another defeat if they are to strengthen their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.

For the Falconets, the encounter presents an opportunity to respond to their opening-day setback and put themselves back in contention for a place in the next round.

Aduku said his players are determined to produce a stronger performance against China and give everything on the pitch.

“We have put the match against Spain behind us and focussing totally on the clash with China. The players are ready to come out stronger for the match against China,” Aduku told thenff.com.

The coach's comments underline the importance of mental recovery for the Nigerian team, who now face an opponent buoyed by a big opening victory.

China's five-goal haul against New Caledonia also means Nigeria will need to be disciplined defensively while taking advantage of their opportunities in front of goal.

With the group still open, a victory for the Falconets would significantly improve their prospects of reaching the knockout stages, while another defeat would leave their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

The Nigerian team will therefore be aiming for a more clinical and composed display as they seek to bounce back against a confident Chinese side.