Namibia's Under-15 national football team, the Baby Warriors, have departed for Baku, Azerbaijan, to participate in the inaugural FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival, marking a milestone moment for the squad as they prepare to compete on the international stage.

The 14-member squad will represent Namibia at the global tournament, which brings together emerging young football talent from across the world from 24 to 31 October.

For the Namibia Football Association (NFA), the competition provides the nation's next generation of footballers with vital international exposure, high-level match experience, and a platform to benchmark their skills globally.

NFA General Secretary Mabos Vries highlighted the significance of the departure, describing it as a historic day for Namibian football. He noted that the tournament aligns with football's ability to unite the world and urged the nation to support the team throughout their campaign.

Baby Warriors Head Coach Woody Jacobs assured the public of the squad's readiness, stating that the players are in exceptional condition and prepared to represent the country with determination on the global stage.

The departure also marked a major milestone for the players' families following years of commitment and support.

Natalia Schmidt, mother of midfielder Tiago Schmidt, expressed pride in seeing her son reach a world championship after starting his football journey at the age of four. Similarly, Ulande Britz, mother of Jaylan Britz, described the trip as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the young athletes and expressed gratitude for their selection.

The Baby Warriors campaign in Azerbaijan offers the squad an opportunity to gain valuable international experience and write a new chapter in Namibian youth football development.