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Tag: Colombia 2024

  • U20 Women World Cup: Falconets bow out of Colombia 2024

    U20 Women World Cup: Falconets bow out of Colombia 2024

    Despite a late goal, Nigeria’s Falconets could not overturn Japan’s lead in the Round of 16 of the ongoing 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, bringing to an end their tournament run.

    Thus, the Falconets have been eliminated from the ongoing 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia following a 2-1 defeat to Japan.

    The opening minutes were keenly contested with both teams looking to gain the upper hand. Japan, however, was the first to break the deadlock through Miyu Matsunaga goal three minutes after the half hour mark.

    The Falconets were unable to get back into the game before the break despite creating few chances of their own. Chris Danjuma’s side were the better side after the break but the Japanese stood firm at the back.

    Reliable forward, Maya Hijikata doubled Japan’s lead in the 63rd minute.

    Susu Amano was denied by the post four minutes from time as the Asians looked to make the scoreline more emphatic.

    Olusola Shobowale however reduced the deficit for Nigeria in added time.

  • FIFA U20 World Cup: Falconets qualify for knockout round

    FIFA U20 World Cup: Falconets qualify for knockout round

    Netting four goals against Venezuela on Saturday, the Falconets of Nigeria have qualified for the knockout round of the ongoing 2024 FIFA Under 20 World Cup taking place in Colombia.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the match between Venezuela and Nigeria was played at the Pascual Guerrero Stadium, Cali.

    Four different scorers: Amina Bello, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Flourish Sebastine and Joy Igbokwe found the net for Nigeria, summing up an all-round impressive display.

    The Falconets in their first Group D match defeated Korea Republic, before losing to Germany and eventually winning their third game against Venezuela by 4 unreplied goals. The Falconets qualified from Group D in second place.

    Earlier, a cross section of Abuja-based football coaches had advised the Falconets to be more clinical in front of goal to get past Venezuela in their last group match of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.

    The advice came after the Nigeria’s women under 20 national football team, failed to convert their goal scoring chances in their 3-1 loss to Germany on Thursday in Colombia.

    The football coaches, who spoke in separate interviews, held that the inability of the team to convert their chances and the defensive formation contributed to their loss to their more experienced European counterpart.

  • Colombia 2024: VAR dents Falconets’ efforts in 3-1 loss to Germany

    Colombia 2024: VAR dents Falconets’ efforts in 3-1 loss to Germany

    Two-time runners-up, Nigeria’s under-20 women football team, the Falconets, on Thursday lost 1-3 to Germany in their second Group D match at  the ongoing  2024 FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.

    The match played at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota, Colombia saw the  Nigerian girls not able to keep up with the pace of the German side in the encounter. The win propelled the Germans to the top of the group with six points from two games, while Nigeria sits in second place with three points following their matchday one win over South Korea.

    Germany took the lead in the 17th minute when Sehitler Alara found the back of the net, capitalising on a defensive error by the Nigerian side. In spite struggling to impose themselves in the first half, the Falconets came out stronger in the second half and leveled the scoreline in the 50th minute through  Chiamaka Okwuchukwu .

    However, Germany responded swiftly with Sofie Zdebel giving the Germans the lead  in the 61st minute with a precise finish. The Falconets also had a goal disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Nigeria pressed forward in search of an equalizer, but their hopes were dashed when Sarah Ernst scored Germany’s third goal, sealing the win for the three-time champions.

    The result means Germany maintains a perfect record with two wins from two matches, while Nigeria now faces a more challenging path to qualification for the Round of 16. While the Falconets now await the game between Korea Republic and Venezuela to know their standing.

    The Falconets will need a strong performance in their final group match  against Venezuela to secure a spot in the knockout stages. The Falconets will  face Venezuela in their last group game  on Saturday while Germany  will face  Korea Republic.

  • Colombia 2024: Sabastine snatches victory for Nigeria

    Colombia 2024: Sabastine snatches victory for Nigeria

    The Falconets of Nigeria on Monday morning pulled off a good show to defeat Korea Republic at the ongoing 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, taking place in Colombia.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Flourish Sabastine was the hero of the night as the Falconets defeated Korea Republic 1-0 at El Techo Stadium in Bogota in their first Group D clash.

    Korea Republic had the game’s first big chance. Cho Hyeyoung produced an excellent, inviting cross from the left. Park Soojeong threw herself towards the ball but, from point-blank range, was just inches away from making a connection.

    Nigeria had the better of the second period. Rafiat Imuran fired a free-kick narrowly wide shortly after the restart, while Chiamaka Okwuchukwu danced her way past two opponents and brought a block out of Woo Seobin.

    The Falconets finally made the breakthrough late on when Sabastine’s attempted cross deceived Seobin and went in. Sabastine netted the decisive goal four minutes from time, with substitute Chukwuamaka Goodness Osigwe providing the assist.

    The Falconets put up a resolute display in the game keeping the Koreans at bay especially in the second half.

    Chris Danjuma’s side sit in second position in the group with three points.

    Former champions Germany, who defeated Venezuela 5-2 on Sunday also have the same points but top the group on goal difference.

    The Falconets will face Germany in their second game at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo, Bogota on Wednesday.

  • My goal for Colombia 2024 – Danjuma reveals

    My goal for Colombia 2024 – Danjuma reveals

    Christopher Danjuma, head coach of Nigeria’s under 20 women’s team, the Falconets, says his goal is to win the coveted trophy at the FIFA under 20 women’s World Cup in Colombia.

    He said that in spite of the consistent good results at the FIFA under 20 women’s World Cup, Nigeria is yet to win a trophy.

    Nigeria is grouped with Germany, Venezuela, and the Korea Republic in the tournament scheduled for Aug. 31 to Sept. 22, in Colombia.

    Danjuma, who spoke with FIFA on Tuesday, said that moving into the 2024 event in Colombia, his  players have set their eyes on breaking that streak.

    The coach said the team was confident that now is  the right time to emulate the opportunities and events of 2010 and 2014.

    “I am certain Africa will stand at the top of the world for the first time,” he said.

    “They just have one goal in mind at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, to hoist the trophy.

    “As I approach my 61st birthday, I am embarking on a mission to win the most desired title in an age category in which I have invested heavily since 2017.

    “I am positive we are on the right track.

    “Every tournament, we showcase top players such as Asisat Oshoala, who was our star performer at the 2014 Under 20 World Cup.

    “I am confident that at least one other ‘Agba Baller’ (football legend), as our fans call her, will emerge in Colombia,” the coach told FIFA.

    Danjuma was in charge of Nigeria at the Under 20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica in 2022, when the Falconets were knocked out following a 2-0 defeat by Netherlands in the quarter-finals.

    “We have worked a great deal on our efficiency in front of goal as that’s what was missing two years ago.

    “Our opponents were not stronger than us, but they knew how to handle decisive moments better, and that made all the difference,”he said

    “Our preparations are going extremely well. We have been focusing on the psychological aspect, and how to approach the competition in particular.

    “We will come up against some tough teams, so we need to be on top of our game mentally, from the word go. The players are picking up tactics more quickly, and the team spirit is high.

    The Falconets were runners-up in 2010 and 2014; the Africans have set their sights on the world title.

    “I think we’re closing in on our goal. As Africans, we have a spiritual perspective,“he said.

  • Colombia 2024: Chris Danjuma unveils team list

    Colombia 2024: Chris Danjuma unveils team list

    Falconets head coach, Chris Danjuma, has announced his squad for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup beginning in few days time.

    Danjuma selected 21 players for the tournament,  scheduled for  August 31 to September 22, 2024.

    The squad is composed of three goalkeepers, six defenders, five midfielders, and seven strikers.

    Madrid CFF forward, Opeyemi Ajakaye headlines the list, alongside five other players who have previously been called up to the Super Falcons: Jumoke Alani, Rofiat Imuran, Comfort Folorunsho, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, and Flourish Sabastine.

    The Falconets are placed in Group D, where they will face Germany, Venezuela, and South Korea.

    The Falconets of  Nigeria will kick off their campaign against South Korea at the Estadio El Techo in Bogotá on September 1.

  • Dominican Republic 2024: Flamingos back in camp for first phase of final camping

    Dominican Republic 2024: Flamingos back in camp for first phase of final camping

    Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has invited 35 players to the camp of Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, as the team commences the first phase of final preparations for the 8th FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals to be staged in the Dominican Republic later this year.

    The Nigerian girls notched an awe-inspiring total of 25 goals in six matches in the qualifying race, routing the Central African Republic by six goals in each leg, dismissing Burkina Faso 7-1 on aggregate in the third round and turning back Liberia 6-1 on aggregate in the final round.

    Extraordinary poacher Harmony Chidi, who set a jaw-dropping record of 13 goals in the qualifying series, tops the list of invitees alongside her strike partner Peace Effiong, with team captain Taiwo Afolabi, goalkeeper Chrstiana Uzoma and defender Prisca Nwachukwu also prominent.

    The 8th FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals will be staged in the cities of Santiago de los Caballeros and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, 16th October – 3rd November.

    ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

    Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens); Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens); Sylvia Echefu (Confluence Queens); Mary Igieneh (Osun Babes); Juliana Simon (Youthsfon Kaduna)

    Defenders: Prisca Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies); Oluwatoyin Olowookere (Ekiti Queens); Rokibat Azeez (New Generation FA); Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Vivian Ekezie (Heartland Queens); Ololade Isiaka (Abia Angels); Timilehin Faluyi (Asisat Oshoala Academy); Elizabeth Adesuyi (Castmog Ladies)

    Midfielders: Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens); Mary Aderemi (Bayelsa Queens); Farida Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons); Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Oghenemairo Obruthe (City Sports); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Farikike Moses (Dannaz Queens); Amarachukwu Onuorah (Edo Queens); Justina Owolabi (Ondo State Academy); Adanna Nwachukwu (Naija Ratels)

    Forwards: Yetunde Ayantosho (Heartland Queens); Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers); Kudirat Arogundade (Green Foot); Ramota Kareem (Honey Badgers); Aisha Animashaun (Naija Ratels); Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels); Blessing Ifitezue (Delta Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Aishat Bolarinwa (Ghetto Tigers); Azeezat Oluwole (Right Vision Academy)

    FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024   

    Group A: Dominican Republic, Ecuador, New Zealand, Nigeria

    Group B: Spain, USA, Korea Republic, Colombia

    Group C: Korea DPR, Mexico, Kenya, England

    Group D: Japan, Poland, Brazil, Zambia

  • Colombia 2024: Falconets begin two-week final camping in Bogota

    Colombia 2024: Falconets begin two-week final camping in Bogota

    Nigeria’s Under 20 Women’s Team, the Falconets, will begin a two-week final camping on Sunday in Bogota, Colombia, ahead of the FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup finals.

    Ademola Olajire, the Director of Communications at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    The Under 20 World Cup is scheduled for Columbia from Aug.31 to Sept. 22.

    The Falconets who defeated Tanzania and Burundi on an aggregate score, also made it to the semi-finals in Japan 12 years ago.

    They made the quarter-finals in 2006, 2018, and 2022 and grabbed one of Africa’s tickets in the tournament’s final round.

    The Coach Christopher Danjuma-led maidens spent four weeks in the first phase of their final camping in Abuja, during which they won a series of friendly games, losing only once.

    ”I want to thank the NFF for arranging the two-week camping in Colombia.

    ”This will go a long way to help the team, as the players will acclimatise very well and get familiar with their surroundings before the championship begins.

    ”I assure you that we will make the best use of this opportunity,” Danjuma told thenff.com on Saturday, hours before the team was due to fly out of the country to Istanbul aboard a Turkish Airlines flight en route to Bogota.

    The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan-Enoh, who met with the team on Friday, charged them to go for the ultimate prize, having won the silver medals previously and being in the semi-finals once.

    ”Your predecessors have done well reaching the final of the competition on two occasions and making the semi-finals once.

    ”It is now time for you to take our country further by winning the trophy.

    ”I commend the NFF for arranging the two-week final camping for you in Colombia that will enable you to acclimatise very well before the tournament.

    ”The Government and the people of this great country are with you, and I am confident that you will not disappoint.,” he said.

    The team is in Group D alongside Germany, Venezuela, and the Korean Republic.

    Nigeria’s first match is against the Korean Republic at Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota on Sept. 1.

    They will confront Germany three days later at the same venue.

    Their final match of the group phase is against Venezuela at the Estadio Pascual Guerrero in Cali on Sept. 7.

    With the field expanded to 24 teams, Africa now has four flag-bearers: Nigeria, Morocco, Cameroon, and Ghana.

    Matches will take place in four venues in three different cities – Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali.

    There will be two venues in Bogotá – Estadio El Campín and Estadio Metropolitano de Techo.

    Other venues are the Estadio Atanasio Girardot in Medellín and the Estadio Pascual Guerrero in Cali.

  • Colombia 2024: Danjuma confident as Falconets intensify preparations

    Colombia 2024: Danjuma confident as Falconets intensify preparations

    Coach Christopher Musa Danjuma has expressed confidence in his Nigeria U20 girls as the ever-present Falconets intensify preparations for this year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals taking place in Colombia, 31st August – 22nd September.

    The two-time silver medallists will contend with Germany, Venezuela and Korea Republic in Group D of the first tournament to welcome 24 teams, an increase from the 16 teams that featured at the last tournament in the Central American nation of Costa Rica, with their matches in the Colombian capital, Bogotá and Cali.

    “The girls have been working very hard, and I am delighted at the level of improvement I have seen in the squad. There is greater understanding and ambition to accomplish. At an individual level, they continue to grow and show their determination to excel with focus on the larger picture.

    “We must be very ready from the first blast of the referee’s whistle in Colombia, as there will not be many minutes to make mistakes and adjust against Korea Republic and Germany. Those two games will be key to our progress to the knockout rounds. We also cannot afford to under-rate Venezuela – they went through the qualifying rounds. The import is that we must bring our ‘A’ game to the party in all three matches.”

    FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand superstar Salma Paralluelo of Spain, Brazil’s Marta, USA’s Megan Rapinoe and Nigeria’s perennial African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala are among women football stars to have graced the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.

    Oshoala was the top scorer when the Falconets reached the final of the championship in Canada 10 years ago, losing narrowly to Germany.

    With the field expanded to 24, Africa now has four flag-bearers (Nigeria, Morocco, Cameroon and Ghana this time). Matches will take place in four venues in three different cities (Bogotá, Medellín and Cali). There will be two venues in Bogotá – Estadio El Campín and Estadio El Techo. The Estadio Atanasio Girardot in Medellín and the Estadio Pascual Guerrero in Cali are the other venues.

    The 13th African Games runners-up have won a string of friendly games in their ongoing first phase of final camping in Abuja, losing only to the Roma Academy U17 boys. They have had the upper hand against an FCT Selected side, Horvel U16 team and lately, Honey Badgers of Makurdi. They will fly out of the country in 17 days for a two-week final camping programme in Colombia, before their first match of the tournament against Korea Republic in Bogotá on the first day of September.

    Other matches are against Germany (also inside the El Techo Stadium in Bogotá) on Wednesday, 4th September, and against Venezuela in Cali three days later.

    Nigeria also reached the final of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in 2010, losing to host nation Germany. Four years later, the Falconets made the semi-finals in Japan.

  • Colombia 2024: Danjuma invites 32 as countdown begins to Final Tournament

    Colombia 2024: Danjuma invites 32 as countdown begins to Final Tournament

    With just eight weeks to their first match of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024, Head Coach Chris Musa Danjuma has called up four goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and 12 strikers to a training camp in the Federal Capital, Abuja in the first phase of preparation for the global tournament.

    Team captain Oluchi Ohaegbulem is top of the list, with first-choice goalkeeper Faith Omilana, defenders Shukurat Oladipo and Comfort Folorunsho, midfielders Chinyere Kalu, Adoo Yina and Rofiat Imuran, and forwards Janet Akekoromowei, Flourish Sabastine and Aminat Bello also called.

    Nigeria, a fixture at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals since the tournament began as an U19 event in Canada 22 years ago, will contend with three-time winners Germany, Asian powerhouse Korea Republic and South American representatives Venezuela in group D of the competition scheduled for three Colombian cities, 31st August – 22nd September.

    All the invited are expected at Serob Legacy Hotel, Wuye, Abuja on Sunday, 7th July.

     

     

     

    ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

     

     

     

    Goalkeepers: Anderline Mgbechi (Delta Queens); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons); Faith Omilana (Naija Ratels); Shukura Bakare (Nasarawa Amazons)

     

     

     

    Defenders: Oluchi Ohaegbulem (Nasarawa Amazons); Jumoke Alani (Nasarawa Amazons); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Oluwabunmi Oladeji (Naija Ratels); Folashade Adegbemile (Delta Queens); Chidera Okenwa (Delta Queens); Comfort Folorunsho (Edo Queens); Taiwo Lawal

     

     

     

    Midfielders: Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons); Olushola Shobowale (Nasarawa Amazons); Aminat Folorunsho (Rivers Angels); Chioma Olise (Edo Queens); Chinyere Kalu (Nasarawa Amazons); Joy Igbokwe (Naija Ratels); Rofiat Imuran (Stade de Reims, France); Zikora Agama (Naija Ratels)

     

     

     

    Forwards: Delight Nwosu (Dannaz Ladies); Adaobi Okah (Remo Stars Ladies); Chiamaka Okwuchukwu (Rivers Angels); Chinaza Agoh (Delta Queens); Mary Nkpa (Heartland Queens); Chiamaka Osigwe (Edo Queens); Janet Akekoromowei (Asisat Academy); Mary Offor (Adamawa Queens); Flourish Sabastine (Stade de Reims, France); Sharon Ulumma (Heartland Queens); Aminat Bello (Otero College, USA); Reilly Adebowale (Bohemian FC, Republic of Ireland