As the countdown to the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia intensifies, Nigeria's U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, are gearing up for another strong showing on the global stage.
The competition, which has expanded to a 24-nation finals for the first time, will see nearly half of the participating teams making debuts, including nations such as Austria, Chile, Chinese Taipei, and Cameroon.
Falconets aim for the title in Colombia
Nigeria, one of only four countries alongside the USA, Brazil, and Germany to have featured in every edition of the tournament since its inception in 2002, will be aiming to improve on their impressive history.
The Falconets have previously made it to two finals, one semi-final, and multiple quarter-final appearances.
They reached the quarter-finals of the last edition in Costa Rica, where they were narrowly defeated by the Netherlands.
Coached by Christopher Danjuma, the Falconets have already begun the final phase of their preparation after arriving in Colombia on Sunday.
Their training sessions kicked off on Tuesday after a day of rest on Monday.
Falconets to get two test games before the World Cup
The Nigeria Football Federation and their partners have fixed two crucial test matches lined up against Australia on 23rd August and Mexico three days later.
These matches will provide the team with a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the 23-day championship.
Drawn into a challenging Group D alongside Germany, Venezuela, and Korea Republic, the Falconets will need to bring their A-game to the pitch if they are to make history by winning the tournament for the first time.
Spain are the reigning champions of the competition after defeating Japan 3-1 in the final of the last edition.
Nigeria squad for FIFA U20 Women's World Cup 2024
Goalkeepers: Anderline Mgbechi (Delta Queens); Faith Omilana (Naija Ratels); Shukura Bakare (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders: Oluchi Ohaegbulem (Nasarawa Amazons); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Jumoke Alani (Nasarawa Amazons); Comfort Folorunsho (Edo Queens); Rofiat Imuran (Unattached); Oluwabunmi Oladeji (Naija Ratels)
Midfielders: Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons); Chioma Olise (Edo Queens); Olushola Shobowale (Nasarawa Amazons); Joy Igbokwe (Naija Ratels); Shakirat Oyinlola (La Liga Academy, Spain)
Forwards: Chiamaka Okwuchukwu (Rivers Angels); Mary Nkpa (Heartland Queens); Chiamaka Osigwe (Edo Queens); Janet Akekoromowei (Asisat Oshoala Academy); Flourish Sabastine (Stade de Reims, France); Aminat Bello (Otero College, USA); Opeyemi Ajakaye (Madrid CFF, Spain)
