Nigeria’s U-20 Women’s National Team, the Falconets, are ready to give everything when they face Spain in their opening Group F match at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Head coach Moses Aduku says his players will treat the match at the Arena Sosnowiec like a final as they look to begin their campaign with three points.
Nigeria, who have finished runners-up twice in the history of the competition, will face Spain today at 5pm local time, which is 4pm Nigerian time.
Aduku knows Spain will be a difficult opponent but believes the Falconets are prepared for the challenge.
“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,” Aduku said.Spain have enjoyed strong progress in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in recent years.
They reached the final in France in 2018 but lost 3-1 to Japan. Patricia Guijarro was one of the stars of the tournament, winning both the Golden Ball and Golden Shoe.
Spain went one step further four years later in Costa Rica, where they defeated Japan to win the U-20 Women’s World Cup and claim their first title.
The Falconets also have a proud history in the competition.
Nigeria reached the final in 2010 after a memorable penalty shootout victory over the United States in the quarter-finals in Augsburg. They later defeated Colombia in the semi-finals before losing 2-0 to hosts Germany in the final.
Four years later, Nigeria again reached the final in Canada, with Asisat Oshoala producing a superb individual performance. She scored seven goals and won both the Golden Ball and Golden Shoe, although the Falconets eventually lost to Germany after extra time.
Aduku will now hope his current team can produce another strong performance and claim an important victory over Spain.
After their opening match, the Falconets will face China on Thursday before meeting New Caledonia on Sunday in their remaining Group F games.
