Hassan Balla makes no secret of having been swept up in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™. The first coach in Cameroon’s history to qualify for the competition two years ago in Colombia, he remains at the helm of the U-20 side with a clear objective – to do it again.
“We’re building on what we’ve started and working towards qualification for the World Cup,” said the 39-year-old coach to FIFA. “Colombia was a valuable experience and gave us a lot to build on. In our group, we’re progressing step by step. The most important thing is to qualify, then we’ll have time to prepare for the World Cup.”
The next edition will take place in Poland from 5 to 27 September. To secure their place, Cameroon must get through the final round of CAF qualifying against Tanzania, who are aiming to reach the finals for the first time. The first leg will be played in Yaounde on Saturday 2 May, with the return match in Zanzibar eight days later.
“For this final stretch, we need to keep our composure and be patient,” Balla warned. “Tanzania are far from a small team. They are physical, but they can also play. They are a well prepared side. We’re quite similar, so it will come down to our mindset.”
In pursuit of a second consecutive qualification, Balla has opted to introduce younger players as part of a long-term strategy. Among them is promising captain Maeva Nyadjou. At just 18, the Amazone FAP Yaounde player could still be eligible for the next edition in two years’ time.
“This World Cup means a lot to me,” she said. “We want to make history for Cameroon, and why not aim for the title in Poland? Our preparation has gone very well. The team feels comfortable, the players are happy and determined. It won’t be easy, but we are fully focused on winning both matches.”
Nyadjou’s versatility makes her a key asset. Despite her young age, she has already earned a place in the senior national team.
“She can play across the back line, as well as operating as a 6 or an 8,” Balla explained. “I trust her and gave her the captaincy because she can lift the squad. That’s what matters most.”
If Cameroon qualify for Poland 2026, Nyadjou could face a demanding schedule, potentially featuring in both the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (25 July – 16 August) and the U-20 Women’s World Cup.
“That’s what we hope for,” Balla admitted. “If she qualifies for the World Cup and also plays at AFCON, it will give her great experience. Of course, we don’t want her to burn out, but she is surrounded by the right people to guide her.”
“I feel ready!” Nyadjou added. “After all, it’s been my job and my passion since I was four years old.”
The 2024 edition of the U-20 Women’s World Cup helped talents such as Monique Ngock (FC Fleury 91) and Naomi Eto (Paris Saint-Germain, on loan at Sassuolo) gain international recognition. Poland 2026 promises to be another major platform for showcasing the talent emerging from Cameroon’s youth ranks.
While Nyadjou is a natural candidate to shine, Balla’s squad is full of ambitious players, including forward Chloe Nimpa and goalkeeper Chantal Nga. No doubt they will all be determined to make their mark on the global stage.
