The national U-20 women team, the Falconets, is battle-ready for its opponent in today’s quarterfinal match at the ongoing FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada.
Falconets celebrate after victory over England
The Peter Dedevbo girls have lived up to expectations so far in the competition, and sports-loving Nigerians are looking up to them to march forward in the competition by subduing their opponents in this cracker.
Victory over New Zealand today will earn the Falconets a third successive semi-final berth at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals.
Meanwhile, acting president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mike Umeh, has told the Falconets not to look down on their quarter-final opponents, New Zealand.
The girls drew 1-1 with Mexico in their first Group C match, but won 2-1 apiece against Korea Republic and England, arguably playing better each time to qualify for today’s quarter-final match.
Today’s clash at the Moncton Stadium is the second meeting between Nigeria and New Zealand at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Umeh called on players and officials of the team to guard against complacency in important international matches like today’s setting.
He said: “It is true that our girls have been improving steadily with each match and I am happy about that.
“But they should not under-estimate the New Zealand girls, who defeated Paraguay and won handsomely against Costa Rica to reach this stage.”
On November 19, 2008 in Coquimbo, Chile, goals by Sarah Michael, Ogonna Chukwudi and Rita Chikwelu steered the Falconets to a 3-2 win over the New Zealanders in a group phase match.
Coach Dedevbo has praised his ladies for their win against England with goals from Loveth Ayila and Asisat Oshoala.
He said he knew his girls would come back despite having issues in the defence in the first half.
He assured soccer-loving Nigerians that his girls will not disappoint after reaching this stage of the competition.
“Having come this far in the competition, we cannot afford to disappoint Nigerians, especially football-lovers.
“Rather, we have resolved to double our performance and ensure that we move forward in the competition by qualifying for the semi-final stage and look forward to playing in the final.
“My players are battle-ready and I want to say that with determination and hard work, we will not disappoint,” he said.
