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Poland U-17 women’s head coach Paulina Kawalec is targeting a winning start when her side takes on Nigeria’s Flamingos in their opening match at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The European side will face Akeem Busari’s Flamingos at Mohammed VI Football Complex Pitch 4 in Rabat on Saturday as both teams begin their Group B campaign.
Poland will also face defending champions DPR Korea and Puerto Rico in the group stage, making a positive result against Nigeria crucial to their hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds.
Kawalec Targets Positive Start
Kawalec stressed the importance of securing a good result in the opening fixture, noting that the outcome could significantly influence the group standings.
“Opening games at big tournaments are always of huge importance. In our group, the game against Nigeria could be particularly important and have a major influence on how the rest of the tournament unfolds,” Kawalec told FIFA.
He added that his team is fully focused on the encounter and understands the importance of collecting points before facing DPR Korea in their second match.
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“That’s why we’re focusing fully on this match at the moment. The girls know full well that a good result in the opening game would stand us in good stead in the group, particularly considering who we face on matchday two.
“We’re doing all we can to prepare as well as possible for this game and pick up points. Of course, we would love to win the game. Every player who steps onto the pitch gives her all to make sure the team scores at least one more goal than the opposition. I hope that we manage to do that in our first game,” she said.
Poland Expect Tough Test Against Flamingos
Despite his confidence in the team’s preparations, Kawalec acknowledged that Nigeria would pose a stern challenge, having studied several of the Flamingos’ previous matches.
The Polish coach identified Nigeria’s direct approach, use of long balls and physical strength as key threats his players must be prepared to handle.
“We’ve analysed several of Nigeria’s games. The team have a very direct style of play and often rely on long balls. Nigeria are also a very physical and athletic side,” she said.
Kawalec believes the Flamingos’ physical attributes could prove particularly challenging for Poland, potentially presenting a greater obstacle than their tactical approach.
“I think that will pose one of our biggest challenges, possibly even more so than the tactical side of the game,” she added.
By Adeboye Amosu
