Falconets face England in U-20 Women’s World Cup Round of 16 clash in Poland
Nigeria’s Falconets will face England on Thursday afternoon in Bielsko-Biała, Poland, in the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. The Falconets are Africa’s last remaining team in the tournament after Tanzania, Ghana and Benin Republic were eliminated earlier. They qualified for the last 16 by thrashing New Caledonia 10-1 in their final Group F match, finishing second with four points from three games after a loss to Spain, a draw with China and the win over New Caledonia.
England reached this stage as runners-up in Group B behind Brazil, level with Canada on four points, goal difference and goals scored. The two sides last met in the 2014 edition in Canada, where Nigeria won 2-1 thanks to goals from Loveth Ayila and Asisat Oshoala.
Speaking to DAILY POST, Lagos-based journalist Femi Fabunmi said the Falconets have improved after their shambolic opener against Spain and stand a chance of beating England, but must tighten their defence and improve in goalkeeping. “If this is done, then I can boldly say that the Falconets will make it to the quarter‑final,” he added.
The match offers Nigeria a chance to keep Africa’s hopes alive in the youth competition. Will the Falconets’ improved defence and goalkeeping be enough to overcome England and secure a quarter‑final spot?