World Cup bound Falconets ready to face Australia
Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have recovered from their long journey to Colombia and are set to face Australia’s U20 team in the first of two friendly matches organized by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
These matches are part of the team’s final preparations for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to take place in Colombia from August 31 to September 22, 2024.
Under the guidance of head coach Chris Danjuma and fitness trainer Chima Michael, the Falconets have been undergoing intensive drills since Monday. The upcoming friendly against Australia is scheduled for Friday at 10:00 am Colombia time (4:00 pm Nigeria time) at the Club Banco de la República in Bogota. NFF’s FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon, has confirmed that all arrangements for the match have been finalized.
The Falconets’ squad has been strengthened with the addition of several players who have gained experience with Nigeria’s senior team, the Super Falcons. Notable players include defenders Jumoke Alani, Rofiat Imuran, Comfort Folorunsho, and forwards Opeyemi Ajakaye, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, and Flourish Sabastine. Folorunsho and Ajakaye were part of the Nigeria U17 team that finished third at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India two years ago. Other key players from that squad, including goalkeeper Faith Omilana and forward Aminat Omowunmi Bello, are also in Colombia with the Falconets.
The team is further bolstered by exciting talents such as defender Shukurat Oladipo, midfielder Chioma Olise, captain Oluchi Ohaegbulam, and forward Juliet Akekoromowei, creating high expectations for the upcoming World Cup.
Following their match against Australia, the Falconets will face Mexico in another friendly at the same venue on Monday.
Nigeria’s Squad for FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024:
Goalkeepers:
- Anderline Mgbechi (Delta Queens)
- Faith Omilana (Naija Ratels)
- Shukura Bakare (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders:
- Oluchi Ohaegbulam (Nasarawa Amazons)
- Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens)
- Jumoke Alani (Nasarawa Amazons)
- Comfort Folorunsho (Edo Queens)
- Rofiat Imuran (Unattached)
- Oluwabunmi Oladeji (Naija Ratels)
Midfielders:
- Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons)
- Chioma Olise (Edo Queens)
- Olushola Shobowale (Nasarawa Amazons)
- Joy Igbokwe (Naija Ratels)
- Shakirat Oyinlola (La Liga Academy, Spain)
Forwards:
- Chiamaka Okwuchukwu (Rivers Angels)
- Mary Nkpa (Heartland Queens)
- Chiamaka Osigwe (Edo Queens)
- Janet Akekoromowei (Asisat Oshoala Academy)
- Flourish Sabastine (Stade de Reims, France)
- Aminat Bello (Otero College, USA)
- Opeyemi Ajakaye (Madrid CFF, Spain)
