The Nigeria U20 women’s national football team, the Falconets, is set to face Australia in a series of friendly matches organized by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as part of their preparations for the upcoming FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
The first of these encounters will take place on Friday at 10 a.m. Colombia time (4 p.m. Nigeria time) at the Club Banco de la República in Bogota, Colombia.
The Falconets have recently recovered from their long journey to Colombia and are now focusing on their match against the Australian team.
According to a statement from the NFF, the squad has been actively engaged in training drills under the guidance of Coach Chris Danjuma and his newly appointed fitness trainer, Chima Michael, since arriving in Colombia.
This rigorous preparation aims to fine-tune the team’s performance ahead of their World Cup campaign, which runs from August 31 to September 22.
Coach Danjuma’s squad, which has been bolstered by several players from the senior Nigeria women’s team, the Super Falcons, includes defenders Jumoke Alani, Rofiat Imuran, and Comfort Folorunsho, as well as forwards Opeyemi Ajakaye, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, and Flourish Sabastine.
Notably, Folorunsho and Ajakaye were part of the Nigeria U17 team that secured third place at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India two years ago.
In addition to these experienced players, the Falconets squad features emerging talents such as defender Shukurat Oladipo, midfielder Chioma Olise, captain Oluchi Ohaegbulam, and forward Juliet Akekoromowei. These players are expected to contribute significantly to the team’s performance in the World Cup.
The friendly matches against Australia are a crucial part of the Falconets’ preparation strategy. The NFF’s FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon, confirmed that all logistical arrangements for the match have been completed, ensuring that the team is fully prepared for the upcoming test.
These friendlies are not just an opportunity for the team to gain match experience but also to gauge their readiness for the World Cup.
The Falconets’ matches in Colombia will provide valuable insights into their current form and areas that may require further refinement before they take on the world’s best teams.
With the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup fast approaching, the Falconets are looking to build on their recent successes and make a strong showing in Colombia.
The friendly matches against Australia will serve as a critical benchmark for the team’s readiness and provide a platform to fine-tune their tactics and strategies.
As the Falconets prepare for these important fixtures, the support and enthusiasm of their fans will be vital in boosting their morale and drive.
The team’s performance in these friendlies will be closely watched by supporters and analysts alike, as they set their sights on making a significant impact in the World Cup.
The upcoming clash with the Australian team marks the beginning of an exciting period for Nigeria’s U20 women’s football, with high hopes and expectations riding on the Falconets as they aim to excel on the global stage.
