After securing their spot in the Round of 16 of the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, the Falconets, are back in Bogota, the capital of Colombia, where they will face Japan on Thursday.
A comprehensive 4-0 victory over Venezuela ensured the Falconets’ passage to the knockout stages, setting up a tough encounter with the Asian powerhouse.
Japan, one of the strongest teams in women’s football globally, topped Group E, which also included Austria, New Zealand, and Ghana, another African representative.
Chris Danjuma optimistic ahead of Japan showdown
Ahead of Thursday's match, Falconets' coach Christopher Danjuma expressed pride in his team’s achievements and excitement about the upcoming challenge against Japan.
“The girls have worked very hard to get to this stage, and we are proud of their efforts. We will take the knockout stages one match at a time. I must say, we are excited about facing Japan and what the match brings,” Danjuma said.
Falconets’ road to the Round of 16
The Falconets were placed in Group D, alongside Germany, South Korea, and Venezuela. After three match days, the Nigerian team finished second in the group with six points, narrowly missing the top spot on goal difference.
Group stage results
- Nigeria 1-0 South Korea
- Germany 3-1 Nigeria
- Venezuela 0-4 Nigeria
Round of 16
Japan vs Nigeria
Head-to-Head record
- The two teams have met four times at this level, with Japan having the upper hand.
- Japan has won two of the encounters, while Nigeria has won one, with the other ending in a draw.
- Japan has scored 11 goals against Nigeria at the U-20 level, while Nigeria has managed just four goals against the Japanese.
Match details
Nigeria and Japan will clash at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota, where the Falconets played their first two group stage matches against South Korea and Germany.
The match is scheduled for Friday, 13th September, kicking off at 2:00 AM Nigeria time (8:00 PM Thursday in Colombia).
