Julius OkorieFalconets of Nigeria are set for a make or break encounter this Friday, against Japan, in the last 16 clash stage of the ongoing FIFA U-20 women World Cup in Colombia.
The Falconets handed Venezuela a 4-0 thrashing in their last group match to zoom into the last 16. Falconets who are perennial qualifiers of the championship, will need to dig deep to overcome rampant Japan in the encounter billed for 2am September 13 at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelCoach of the side, Christopher Danjuma, who expressed satisfaction with the performance of his girls so far, is optimistic they can jump the hurdle against Japan.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Danjuma said: “The girls have worked very hard to get to this stage, and we are proud of their efforts. We will be taking the knockout stages one match at a time”
The Falconets were eliminated in the quarter final of the same competition two years ago in Costa Rica by Netherlands- the last time the competition had 16 teams.
READ ALSO:Colombia 2024: Falconets Wallop Venezuela, Face Japan In Last 16 Friday
Twenty four countries began the quest for honours in Colombia, with eight, including Ghana and Morocco already out leaving the remaining 16 to continue the quest.
However more casualties emerged early in the round of 16 ties played early this morning (Thursday).
Brazil knocked out West African neighbours. Cameroon. after a 3-1 defeat, Spain sacked Canada 2-1, Colombia edged out South Korea following a lone goal victory. while United States sent Mexico packing after a 3-2 defeat.
Falconets have finished as runners-up twice, losing to Germany on both occasions, in 2010 and 2014.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
