Nigeria’s U20 Women’s National Team, the Falconets, are set for a demanding opening fixture at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, with Head Coach Moses Aduku insisting his players must treat Monday’s clash with Spain as a cup final.
The two-time runners-up will face the Spaniards in their Group F opener at the Stadion Sosnowiec from 5pm local time (4pm Nigeria time), with Aduku confident that his side is prepared for the challenge.
“We are looking forward to the match against Spain with high expectations. We are ready and set to go. Spain is a good side, no doubt, but we will approach the game like a Cup final because we want to win. The three points will put us in good stead in our group campaign,” Aduku said.
Spain have emerged as one of the leading forces in the competition in recent years. They reached the final in France in 2018 before losing 3-1 to Japan, with Patricia Guijarro winning both the Golden Ball and Golden Shoe. Two years later in Costa Rica, Spain went a step further, defeating Japan to claim the world title.
The Falconets also have a rich history at the tournament, reaching the final in 2010 and again in 2014. In 2010, Nigeria stunned the United States on penalties in the semi-finals before eventually losing to hosts Germany in Bielefeld, becoming the first African team to reach the final of the competition.
Four years later, Asisat Oshoala inspired Nigeria’s campaign in Canada, winning both the Golden Ball and Golden Shoe after scoring seven goals. Despite her outstanding individual performance, the Falconets narrowly lost to Germany after extra time in the final in Montreal.
Aduku’s side will now look to write a new chapter when they take on Spain on Monday, with victories over China and New Caledonia awaiting them in their remaining Group F fixtures on Thursday and Sunday respectively.
