FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria’s Falconets carry Africa’s last hopes into England showdown

Nigeria’s Falconets will face England on Thursday in the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, with both teams battling for a place in the quarter-finals.

The Falconets are Africa’s only remaining representative in the competition after Tanzania, Ghana and the Benin Republic were eliminated.

Moses Aduku’s side qualified for the last 16 after thrashing New Caledonia 10-1 in their final Group F fixture at the weekend.

They finished in second position in their group with four points from three matches after losing to Spain, drawing with China and beating New Caledonia.

The Falconets will now take on England in the last 16 clash at Bielsko-Biała on Thursday afternoon.

DAILY POST reports that the Young Lionesses finished in second position in Group B behind Brazil, but level with Canada on four points, goal difference and goals scored.

The last time Nigeria and England met was in the 2014 edition in Canada, where the Falconets won 2-1 in a Group C encounter, thanks to goals from Loveth Ayila and Asisat Oshoala.

Now, England stands in Nigeria’s way, and Africa’s last hope is ready to fight for a place in the last eight.

Speaking to DAILY POST, respected Lagos-based journalist, Femi Fabunmi, insisted that the Falconets stand a chance of beating England and making it to the last eight because they have improved after losing their first match against Spain in the group stage.

He also noted that Moses Aduku’s side must improve in the goalkeeping department and tighten their defence against the Young Lionesses.

“The Falconets improved by every game after their shambolic display against Spain in the group opener; they have improved thereafter,” Fabunmi said.

“However, England will be another litmus test for them. Do they stand a chance? Yes, they do, but they need to improve in the goalkeeping department and tighten their defence.

“If this is done, then I can boldly say that the Falconets will make it to the quarter-final,” he said.