Julius OkorieFalconets of Nigeria seeking to better their lot at the 2024 FIFA U-20 women world cup, received an impressive welcome in Bogota on Sunday.
The Christopher Danjuma tutored side, were welcomed at the El Dorado International Airport, Bogota, by colourful traditional dancers and local organising committee for the championship which starts on 31st August.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Falconets, who landed at the El Dorado International Airport after a 13-hour flight from Istanbul in Turkey, were finally happy to arrive and enjoy every bit of the show.
Coach Danjuma told local journalists at the airport in Bogota that the Falconets are determined to go all the way this time, having logged two final-match appearances, a semi-final appearance and several quarter-final berths in the 22-year-old tournament.
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“We have the mandate and support of the Government and people of Nigeria to come here and give it our best fight-and-push. Our Sports Minister reminded us of the fact that Nigeria finished second in 2010 and 2014, and reached the semi-finals in 2012. He charged us to come back with the trophy this time, and that is our objective.”
The Falconets’ final phase of preparation for the 23-day championship will include tough tests against Australia and Mexico. They go up against the Australians on Friday, 23rd August, and then confront the Mexicans three days later.
The girls from Mexico will be featuring in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup for the 10th time, having missed one previous championship.While Nigeria is one of the only four countries (the others being USA, Brazil and Germany) to have played in every final tournament since the competition was launched as an U19 event in Canada in 2002.
Falconets begin their first match 2nd Sept against South Korea, the second match will be against Germany 4th Sept, while the last group match will be against Venezueala on 7th September.
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.
