FIFA U-20 W'World Cup: Falconets Touch Down in France, Promises to Make Nigerians Proud

By Admin Nigeria’s U-20 Women’s national team, Falconets arrived in France host country of the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup on Thursday, August 2, and are confident of progressing beyond the group stage of the competition, Basic Sports in Nigeria (BSN Sports) reports. The Falconets will make their ninth appearance at the age grade tournament and have featured in every edition. Star player Rasheedat Ajibade was the team’s highest goalscorer with 10 goals in the qualification phase and featured was part of the team to the last edition in Papau De Guinea where the Falconets could not progress from the group stage. FIFA Under 20 Women's World Cup The Falconets will face China, Germany and Haiti at the tournament (FIFA Under 20 Women's World Cup) In a report by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) website, Ajibade hopes that the experience from two years ago will benefit her and the team. The Falconets are against tough opponets Germany, China, and Haiti and Ajibade wants the Falconets to improve on their previous outings. She said, “It is true that I have been consistent in terms of performance; the most important thing is ensuring that I do better than my previous outings. “I think it (France 2018) is going to be a great tournament especially if I could apply at least 70 percent of what I have been taught by the coaching crew. We are well prepared for the task; I want to do the best because I consider every opportunity to play for my country a dream come true.” The Falconets had a smooth sailing qualification (FIFA) Ona personal note Ajibade who scored two goals at the last tournament, and also the Super Falcons team that won a bronze medal at the 2018 WAFU Women’s Cup is hoping to recreate her goalscoring heroics. She said, “The last FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Papua New Guinea was a great personal experience for me. We were edged out of the group stage on goal difference despite finishing on same points with Japan and Spain. “I’m very hopeful France 2018 would be a greater and better experience; it’s the same competition and the same platform for me. I just have to put up my best performance this time since I won’t have another opportunity to play at the U-20 level again.” Head coach Christopher Danjuma released a 21 list for the tournament as the Falconets begin their campaign against Germany on Monday, August 6. 21 Falconets arrive France for 2018 U-20 Women's World Cup The Falconets go with three goal keepers to the tournament (NFF) Goalkeepers : Okeke Onyinyechukwu (GK) - Edo Queens, Nnadozie Chiamaka (GK) - Rivers Angels, Akarekor Rita (GK) - Sunshine Queen. The Falconets travelled with eight defenders (NFF) Defenders : Ogbonna Glory (DF) - Ibom Angels, Monday Gift (DF) FC Robo, Famuditi Oluwakemi (DF) - Kogi Confluence, Duru Joy (DF) - Nasarawa Amazons, Ologbosere Mary (DF) - Ibom Angels, Sunday Opeyemi (DF) - Sunshine Queens, Ezekiel Blessing (DF) - Rivers Angels. The Falconets travelled with five midfielders (NFF) Midfielders : Saiki Mary (MF) - Rivers Angels, Ucheibe Christy (MF) - Capital City, Efih Peace (MF) - Edo Queens, Saheed Adebisi (MF) - FC Robo, Igboamalu Grace (MF) - Nasarawa Amazons, Odueke Taibat (MF) - Edo Queens. The Falconets travelled with five forwards (NFF) Forwards : Ajibade Rasheedat (FW) - FC Robo, Amoo Bashirat (FW) - Confluence Queens, Imo Anam (FW) - Nasarawa Amazons, Bello Aishat (FW) - Nasarawa Amazons, Okeke Chidinma (FW) - FC Robo.