JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), HE Comrade Philip Shaibu, has commended the Nigeria Under-20 Women’s National Team, the Falconets, for their impressive performance at the ongoing FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
In a statement signed by his special media advisor, Ben Ogbemudia, Shaibu praised the players for their resilience, determination and fighting spirit after they achieved a convincing 3-0 victory over England in the round of 16 on Thursday, clinching their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Shaibu said the team’s performance continued to give Nigerians reasons to be proud, particularly after the players recovered from a difficult start to the tournament to produce increasingly impressive performances. Project reports
“I always knew the girls would make Nigerians proud,” Shaibu said. “Their determination and teamwork so far have been exceptional.”
The Falconettis turn around, difficult start
The Falconets began their season with a 2–0 defeat against Spain in their opening Group F match on 7 September, before playing to a goalless draw against China.
With their qualification hopes under pressure, the young Nigerians responded emphatically in their final group match, beating New Caledonia 10-1 to secure passage to the knockout stages.
This result moved Nigeria to second place in Group F with four points and gave the team a big boost ahead of the round of 16.
The Falconets then carried the momentum into the match against England, producing arguably their most complete performance of the tournament so far.
Rafiu, Akekoromowei and Mamudu seal the victory
Nigeria took the lead after eight minutes thanks to Tosin Rafiu, who gave the Falconets the lead with an early shot.
The team maintained their lead despite pressure from the Young Lionesses, with goalkeeper and captain Christiana Uzoma making a crucial save before half-time.
Uzoma saved Rachel Maltby’s penalty to preserve Nigeria’s lead and ensure the Falconets went on the counterattack.
Nigeria returned from half-time with renewed attacking intent and doubled their lead in the 47th minute through Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei.
Mary Mamudu then put the result beyond doubt in the 73rd minute, completing a 3-0 victory that took the Falconets into the quarter-finals.
The result took Nigeria’s tally to 13 goals in four matches in the tournament. The Falconets recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, while keeping a clean sheet.
Shaibu highlights the team’s resilience
Shaibu said the Falconets’ progress reflected the potential of the Nigerian women’s football development system, adding that the victory over England demonstrated the team’s ability to compete against strong opposition on the global stage.
The NIS coach particularly praised the players for the way they reacted to the opening defeat against Spain.
According to him, the ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain focus is an important quality for any team seeking success at the highest level of international football.
He also highlighted that the players’ teamwork and determination have been key to their progress, expressing optimism that they can continue their impressive run in Poland.
The Falconets are chasing the historic title
The latest victory kept Nigeria’s bid for a maiden FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title alive.
The Falconets have already reached the final of the competition twice, finishing runners-up in 2010 and 2014. They will now look to go further than these previous results by reaching the semi-finals and ultimately challenging for the trophy.
For Shaibu, the team’s performances are evidence of the quality and potential that can emerge from sustained investment in the development of women’s football.
The NIS DG said the Falconets have demonstrated that Nigerian players can compete successfully at international level if given the right support, preparation and development opportunities.
The quarter-final match awaits us
After the clear victory over England, the Falconets will now face the winner of the round of 16 match between Poland and Colombia in the quarter-finals on Sunday 20 September.
The match is scheduled for the Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź in Łódź, with kick-off set for 6.30pm Nigerian time.
The quarter-finals represent another important test for the young Nigerians, who will hope to build on their 3-0 victory and maintain the momentum that took them to the quarter-finals.
With 13 goals already scored in four matches, the Falconets have demonstrated considerable attacking firepower, while the two clean sheets underline the team’s ability to remain organized defensively.
As the competition enters its decider, Shaibu’s message to the team is one of encouragement and confidence in their ability to continue to make Nigeria proud.
The Falconets will now have their eyes set on the quarter-finals, knowing that another victory would take them one step closer to a historic first FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title.
