[FILE] The Falconets celebrate their qualification for the quarterfinals after their 1-1 draw with China at the on-going FIFA U-20 Women’s World at the Clos Gastel stadium in Dinan, northwestern France…yesterday. PHOTO: AFP.
Nigeria’s U-20 girls tackle their counterparts from Spain today for a place in the semifinals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, with sweet memories of how the Falconets edged the Spaniards in a group phase game in Papua New Guinea two years ago.
Nigeria won that match 2-1, and the two–time silver medallists have confidence they can pull off another victory against La Rojita in Concarneau to earn a berth in the championship’s last four.
Five members of the Class of 2018 were part of that squad that defeated Spain in Papua New Guinea two years ago, including Skipper Rasheedat Ajibade, who scored Nigeria’s lone goal against Haiti in the ongoing tournament. Four of the girls that played for Spain in Papua New Guinea are in the squad in France.
Nigeria’s tally of four points was the lowest for a team that reached the quarterfinals in France, but that would count for nothing when the Falconets file out against La Rojita this evening, starting from 3.00 p.m. Nigeria time.
To reach this stage, the Falconets defeated Haiti 1-0 and drew 1-1 with China, after an opening day 0-1 loss to perennial foes, Germany, in Saint Malo.On their part, the Spaniards hammered Paraguay 4-1 and piped Japan 1-0 before drawing 2-2 with USA.
Source: G Sport
