‘There is nothing to be afraid of,’ Falconets assure

Nigeria’s U-20 female football team, the Falconets would be looking to do a major damage when they lock horns with the Netherlands today with a ticket to the last four at stake at the ongoing 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup holding in Costa Rica.

The Falconets have been on fire so far, claiming three wins out of three group games with victories over France, South Korea and Canada en route to securing maximum points and the top spot in Group C.

This is the first time Nigeria will win their opening three matches in 10 appearances across 20 years at the World Cup. They would, however have to battle the tough Dutch side that finished as Group D runners-up behind defending champions, Japan.

With Nigeria boasting one of the best defences, the late night match, taking place in Alajuela, would be keenly contested.

Even though both countries have never met at the U20 World Cup, the Falconets have never missed any edition of the Mundial whilst the Dutch are making only their second appearance, following their debut in 2018.

Nigeria, however, has a decent record against European opposition, losing just four of their last 10 clashes.

On the other hand, the only African opposition that the Netherlands have faced at the World Cup is Ghana, winning both matches. For the Falconets to advance though, they must be aggressive against the Netherlands’ from the start if they must add the Dutch to their list of conquered Europeans at the World Cup.

Falconets Captain, Tosin Demehin has expressed optimism ahead of tonight’s match. The reliable defender pleaded with Africans and Nigerians to support and pray for the team to overcome its opponent. “We have played and won all the three games from the group, making a good record being the first team ever to win all the group matches since the tournament started.

“The players are not relenting; we know that the knockout stages are different and we are also going into the knockout stage with a different mentality and strategy. So, Nigerians should be expecting a wonderful performance from us.

“At this point in time, we really need Nigerians, their support and prayers beyond what they did in the group stage. We also need the support of Africans because we are not just representing Nigeria, but Africa. This match is nothing to be afraid of because we have different strategies and mentality to see them off,” she concluded.