What makes Falconets different from other opponents?

Japan captain Koyama Shinomi has said that the Nigeria Falconets players possess certain characteristics that make them different from other opponents they have faced.

The Falconets will face Japan in the round of 16 of the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.

The match is scheduled for Friday, 13 September 2024 at 2am (West African Time).

After topping their group, Japan faced the Falconets, who finished second in their own group.

Speaking ahead of the first-round tie, Shinomi, who plays for Djurgardens IF women’s team in Sweden, said she is excited about the upcoming clash with Nigeria.

“Having made it through the group stage, we are now heading into the knockout stage and I am excited for the battles ahead, which we cannot afford to lose,” she said on the Japan women’s national team’s X page (formerly Twitter).

“I am looking forward to seeing how far I can go, especially against our next opponent, Nigeria, who have many players with individual strengths.

“Nigeria give the impression of being a physically strong and fast team, and their players make the most of their long legs. Their initial acceleration when they start running is different to that of our usual rivals, as they move quickly, almost gliding across the pitch.

Shinomi added: “As a team, we want to win and get off to a good start in the knockout stage. Personally, my goal is to deliver visible results, increase my own value through my play, and contribute to the team’s success all the way to the championship.”

The Falconets reached the quarter-finals of the 2022 U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.