Super Falconets set to pick quarterfinals ticket

Nigeria U-20 women’s football team, the Falconets, are on the path of repeating their last showing at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, as they battle Italy for a quarterfinals ticket on Sunday.

In the last edition held in Germany, Nigeria reached the final before succumbing to the hosts 2-0. In the past four editions, Nigeria have made it to the knockout stage and they made a traditional entrance in the on-going edition being hosted by Japan, after defeating Korea in their opening group match.

A spirited effort saw the Falconets contain Brazil on Wednesday but a late equaliser denied them crucial victory and a passage to the next stage as the match ended 1-1.

Nigeria still lead Group B with four points after two matches, followed by Korea, who defeated Italy 2-0 on Wednesday. Brazil are in third place, while Italy are last in the log.

A draw could take Nigeria to the next stage but Italy, with a point extracted from their 1-1 with Brazil in their opening match, will be desperate for a win to have a hope going through, although that slim home hinges on mathematics but much importantly, redeeming their national pride is realistic motivation.

Nigeria are benefitting from their dominance of African football with most of the U-17 girls graduating to the U-20 team. Exceptional among them is midfielder Ngozi Okobi, who has become a pillar in the team coached by Edwin Okon.

Okobi has been in two U-17 finals and she netted the first of the two goals against Korea in opening match. Desire Oparanozie, Orji Ebere and Francisca Ordega, who scored against Brazil are players capable of taking Nigeria far in Japan.

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