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By ADERONKE OJO
Moses Aduku , Head Coach of Nigeria’s U-20 Women’s National Team, the Falconets,has said ahead of Monday’s encounter , the team will approach their opening Group F match against Spain at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup like a Cup final.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Director of Media and Communications of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Aduku said this ahead of Monday’s encounter against the Spaniards at the Stadion Sosnowiec in Poland.
The match is scheduled for 5 p.m. local time (4 p.m. Nigerian time).
“We are looking forward to the match against Spain with high expectations. We are ready and set to go.
“Spain is a good side, no doubt; let us not forget they are champions of the world at men’s senior level.
“However, we will approach the game like a Cup final because we want to win. The three points will put us in good stead in our group phase campaign,” he said.
Spain have established themselves as one of the leading teams in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in recent years.
The Spaniards reached the final of the 2018 edition in France, where they lost 3-1 to Japan, with Patricia Guijarro winning the Golden Ball and Golden Shoe awards.
Two years later in Costa Rica, Spain went one better by winning the title and avenging their defeat to Japan in the 2018 final.
The Falconets also have a rich history in the competition, having finished as runners-up twice.
Nigeria reached the final for the first time in 2010 in Germany after defeating the U.S. in a dramatic semi-final penalty shootout in Augsburg.
However, the Falconets lost 2-0 to hosts Germany in the final in Bielefeld.
The achievement marked the first time an African team had reached the final of the FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria again reached the final in 2014 in Canada, where Asisat Oshoala won both the Golden Ball and Golden Shoe after scoring seven goals.
The Falconets, however, lost 1-0 to Germany after extra time in the final in Montreal.
NAN reports that Nigeria is drawn alongside Spain, China PR and New Caledonia in Group F.
The Falconets after the match against Spain on Monday, will then confront China PR on Sept.10 and New Caledonia on Sept. 13
NAN reports that the Falconets played two international friendly matches, recording an impressive 1-0 victory over hosts Poland on Aug.28, with Mary Mamudu scoring the decisive goal in first-half. The team followed that result with a 1-1 draw against Korea Republic on Sept. 1. (NAN)
