Poland U-17 women’s head coach Paulina Kawalec says her team must begin the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with victory against Nigeria’s Flamingos.

The European side meet Akeem Busari’s team at Mohammed VI Football Complex Pitch 4 in Rabat on Saturday, with both nations opening their Group B campaigns.

Poland will also play defending champions DPR Korea and Puerto Rico in the group stage, increasing the importance of taking points from their first fixture if they are to reach the knockout rounds.

Kawalec highlights importance of opener

Kawalec believes the match against Nigeria could have a major bearing on the group, particularly with Poland scheduled to face DPR Korea in their second game.

“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.

She said her players were concentrating entirely on the opening match and understood the value of building a strong position before facing the defending champions.

“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 wary of Nigeria’s physical approach

Although Kawalec is satisfied with Poland’s preparations, she expects a demanding contest after reviewing several of Nigeria’s previous matches.

She said the Flamingos’ direct style, frequent use of long balls and physical strength would test her players throughout the game.

“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 considers Nigeria’s physical qualities a potentially greater challenge 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.