Nigeria’s journey at the 2024 FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup came to an unfortunate end as the Falconets were edged out 2-1 by Japan in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Despite a valiant effort, the Nigerian side couldn’t overcome the clinical Japanese, whose goals came from Miyu Matsunaga in the 33rd minute and Maya Hijikata in the 65th minute.
The Falconets managed to pull one back through Olushola Shobowale in stoppage time, but it was too little, too late.
The Falconets demonstrated commendable grit and determination throughout the tournament, playing a total of four matches registering two victories and suffered two defeats in what was a rollercoaster campaign.
The team kicked off their journey with a narrow but crucial 1-0 win against South Korea, before being outclassed by Germany in a 3-1 defeat. However, they bounced back strongly with an emphatic 4-0 thrashing of Venezuela in the group stages.
Unfortunately, their hopes of advancing further have been dashed by a well-drilled Japanese side.
Falconets ready for Super Falcons step-up?
Although they exited earlier than they had hoped, the tournament served as a platform for several players to shine, showing flashes of brilliance and promising performances that suggest they are ready to take the next step in their careers.
Here are three standout players from the Falconets who, based on their performances at the U-20 World Cup, appear primed to walk in the footsteps of the likes of Asisat Oshoala and make the leap to the Super Falcons.
Rofiat Imuran (Unattached)
Rofiat Imuran has already had a taste of senior football, having made a few appearances for the Super Falcons. However, her impressive displays at the U20 level demonstrate that she’s now ready to become a core member of the senior national team.
Included in the squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup under former coach Randy Waldrum, Imuran was primarily a squad player in that tournament.
Imuran's performance in the 2024 U-20 Women’s World Cup, has shown her readiness to be an integral part of the Super Falcons moving forward.
Known for her versatility, defensive awareness, and improving technical skills, Imuran has developed into a reliable defender with the ability to handle high-pressure situations.
With the Super Falcons defense in need of reinforcements, the 20-year-old’s emergence could not have come at a better time.
Jumoke Alani (Nasarawa Amazons, Nigeria)
Jumoke Alani is another player whose time to transition to the Super Falcons seems imminent.
A regular in the Falconets set-up, Alani has already experienced life in the senior squad, having been called up during the Olympic qualifiers when withdrawals left the team short-handed.
Alani’s versatility across various positions on the pitch makes her an invaluable asset. Whether deployed as a full-back or in midfield, she consistently delivers strong performances.
Her attacking instincts were on display at the U-20 World Cup, where she contributed an assist from her full-back role, one of the standout performers in the team.
At just 19, she has a bright future ahead, and her ability to operate effectively in multiple roles makes her a strong candidate for the Super Falcons in the near future.
Flourish Sabastine (Stade Reims, France)
One of the rising stars in Nigerian women’s football, Flourish Sabastine made her mark at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica, and her performances at the 2024 edition only served to bolster her reputation.
Now plying her trade in France with Stade Reims, Sabastine continues to develop into one of Nigeria’s most exciting young talents.
Known for her blistering pace and ability to beat defenders, Sabastine is comfortable playing either as a central striker or from the wings.
Her direct running style, coupled with excellent ball control, makes her a constant threat to opposing defenses.
At the 2024 U-20 World Cup, Sabastine scored two goals – one against Germany and another in the win over Venezuela.
Her ability to stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to the Super Falcons, who are in need of fresh attacking options.
With her speed, agility, and eye for goal, Sabastine is poised to make a big impact at the senior level.
