Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, the Falconets, are ready to embark on their journey at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
The team, led by head coach Chris Danjuma, will face a challenging opening match against the Korea Republic on Monday, September 2, at 12 AM (Nigerian time), at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Coach Danjuma expressed confidence in his team’s preparation and readiness for the competition. “We’re focusing on our tactics and techniques to get it right against Korea, our first assignment,” Danjuma stated. “Once we succeed against them, we’ll set our sights on Germany. I’m pleased to report that we have no injuries in camp, and the girls are ready to make Nigeria proud.”
The Falconets are expected to field a strong lineup, with Faith Omilana likely to start in goal. The defensive setup is anticipated to include Comfort Folorunsho, Shukurat Oladipo, Rofiat Imuran, and Jumoke Alani. In midfield, Oluchi Ohaegbulam will be a key player, supported by Aminat Omowunmi Bello, Yina Adoo, Chioma Olise, and Olushola Shobowale. The attacking duties are expected to fall on the shoulders of Janet Akekoromowei, Opeyemi Ajakaye, Flourish Sabastine, and Chiamaka Okwuchukwu.
READ MORE: Falconets: Christopher Danjuma retains high hopes for World Cup despite friendly loss to Mexico
History in the Tournament
The Falconets have been a dominant force in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup since their debut in 2002 when the competition was known as the U-19 Championship. Over the years, Nigeria has reached the finals twice, in 2010 and 2014, and made it to the semi-finals in 2012. As they enter the 2024 tournament, the team is determined to build on their impressive history and aim for their first-ever title.
Group D Challenges
Nigeria’s Falconets have been drawn into a challenging Group D, where they will face formidable opponents, including the Korea Republic, three-time champions Germany, and Venezuela. The Falconets will play their second group match against Germany on Wednesday, September 4, and will conclude the group stage with a clash against Venezuela on Saturday, September 7, at the Estadio Pascual Guerrero in Cali.
The Falconets secured their spot in Colombia after a tough qualification journey, overcoming Tanzania and Burundi in the later stages. Now, with the tournament set to begin, the Falconets are focused on making a deep run and showcasing their talent on the global stage.
Results So Far
The 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup kicked off on Saturday, August 31st, with Cameroon playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw against Mexico. The Mexicans took a two-goal lead into halftime, but Naomi Eto’s second-half brace earned a point for the Central Africans.
In another exciting match, France and Canada fought to a 3-3 draw, providing fans with an entertaining encounter. Early on Sunday, September 1st, hosts Colombia started their campaign with a solid 2-0 win over Australia, while Brazil delivered a dominant 9-0 victory against Fiji.
As the Falconets prepare for their first match, the team and their fans are hopeful that Nigeria can make a strong statement in Colombia and continue their pursuit of a maiden FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title.
