The Nigeria U-20 women’s football team, the Falconets, have fully recovered from their long journey to Colombia and are ready to take on Australia’s U-20 team in the first of two friendly matches. These games are part of their preparation for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to take place in Colombia from August 31 to September 22.
Under the guidance of Coach Chris Danjuma, along with fitness trainer Chima Michael, the Falconets have been undergoing rigorous drills since Monday. The upcoming match against Australia is set for 10am Colombia time (4pm Nigeria time) on Friday at the Club Banco de la República in Bogota.
The Falconets’ squad has been strengthened by the inclusion of several players with experience in the Nigeria senior team, the Super Falcons. This includes defenders Jumoke Alani, Rofiat Imuran, Comfort Folorunsho, and forwards Opeyemi Ajakaye, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, and Flourish Sabastine. Notably, Folorunsho and Ajakaye were part of the Nigeria U17 team that secured third place at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India two years ago.
These seasoned players, combined with the exciting talents of defender Shukurat Oladipo, Chioma Olise, captain Oluchi Ohaegbulam, and forward Juliet Akekoromowei, have raised expectations for the team.
After facing Australia, the Falconets will play another friendly match against Mexico at the same venue on Monday.
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NIGERIA’S SQUAD FOR FIFA U20 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP COLOMBIA 2024:
Goalkeepers: Anderline Mgbechi (Delta Queens); Faith Omilana (Naija Ratels); Shukura Bakare (Nasarawa Amazons).
Defenders: Oluchi Ohaegbulem (Nasarawa Amazons); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Jumoke Alani (Nasarawa Amazons); Comfort Folorunsho (Edo Queens); Rofiat Imuran (Unattached); Oluwabunmi Oladeji (Naija Ratels).
Midfielders: Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons); Chioma Olise (Edo Queens); Olushola Shobowale (Nasarawa Amazons); Joy Igbokwe (Naija Ratels); Shakirat Oyinlola (La Liga Academy, Spain)
Forwards: Chiamaka Okwuchukwu (Rivers Angels); Mary Nkpa (Heartland Queens); Chiamaka Osigwe (Edo Queens); Janet Akekoromowei (Asisat Oshoala Academy); Flourish Sabastine (Stade de Reims, France); Aminat Bello (Otero College, USA); Opeyemi Ajakaye (Madrid CFF, Spain).
