Falconets Set to Battle Spain for S’final Berth

U-20 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

Nigeria’s Under-20 girls, the Falconets, are set to tackle their counterparts from Spain this afternoon for a place in the semi finals of the ongoing FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup finals.

Both teams are no strangers to each other with Falconets still having the sweet memories of how they 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 this France 2018 last four.

Five members of the Class of 2018 were part of that squad that defeated Spain in Papua New Guinea two years ago. They include; Skipper Rasheedat Ajibade, who has scored both of the Nigerian team’s goals 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 quarter finals of this edition but that would count for nothing when the Falconets file out against La Rojita this evening, starting from 3pm 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 pipped Japan 1-0 before drawing 2-2 with USA.

In the other match of the evening, hosts France will look to take revenge for their defeat in the 2016 final against the defending champions Korea DPR, who only secured a berth in the last eight after a rollercoaster ride through Group B.

TODAY

Spain v Nigeria 3:00pm

France v Korea DPR 6:30pm