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Tag: Costa Rica 2022

  • Costa Rica 2022: Spain defeats Japan to win FIFA women U-20 World Cup

    Costa Rica 2022: Spain defeats Japan to win FIFA women U-20 World Cup

    Spain’s U-20 female national team has emerged victorious at the FIFA World Cup held in Costa Rica for the first time in their history.

    The generation led by Salma Paralluelo, Inma Gabarro, and Andrea Medina rounded off a sensational tournament with the gold medal, achieved after beating the Japanese team in the final by 3-1.

    Both teams had met at the same stage four years ago with the Japanese team denying the French side, four years after the French team avenged their loss.

    In a National Stadium in San José (Costa Rica) packed with fans, especially supporters of Japan, Pedro López’s women came out to conquer the world and sealed the victory with a first half hour that is already the history of Spanish women’s football.

    Spain’s  Inma Gabarro gets a shot on goal and ends up scoring the first for Spain in the 11th minute before Salma received the ball from Medina, entered the area alone, and shot into the goal to score the second.

    A Japanese defender handled the ball in the 18-yard box in the 26th minute and Referee awarded a penalty to Spain, forward, Paralluelo shoots and scores from the spot to make it three in the first half of the encounter.

    Upon resumption for the second half of the match, Japan’s Amano latched on to a rebound in the 6-yard box to pull one back for the Asians.

     

     

     

  • Costa Rica 2022: Netherlands ends Falconets impressive run

    Costa Rica 2022: Netherlands ends Falconets impressive run

    A litany of factors, including poor finishing, hard luck and dodgy officiating by Costa Rican official Marianela Araya saw the Nigeria U20 girls bow out of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup with a two-goal defeat by The Netherlands in their quarter-final match in Alajuela.

    Flourish Sabastine, who scored Nigeria’s three-point winner against France in the opening match of Group C, was cynically stopped in the Dutch’s box in the 7th minute, but just as she did all night, Araya looked away unimpressed.

    Four minutes later, the Dutch were ahead, when Zera Hulswit rammed a perfect dipping shot beyond Omini Oyono as the conquerors of USA pulled away on the counter-attack.

    In the 15th minute, Sabastine again pulled away and let fly, but the ball was tipped away by impressive goal-tender Claire Dinkla.

    On the half-hour, Nigeria nearly got the leveller that their endeavour deserved when Deborah Abiodun seized the ball as the Dutch defence fell into confusion, but her own dipping shot from 25 metres rocked the crossbar and was then tipped away from the head of Chiamaka Okwuchukwu.

    Only three minutes later, the deficit doubled against Nigeria, when the Dutch broke through the right once more, and with captain Oluwatosin Demehin and Omowumi Oshobukola in a fumble, Ziva Henry bundled the ball past Oyono.

    Substitute Joy Jerry came close to pulling one back when her head met the ball from Rofiat Imuran’s cross in the 62nd minute, but the ball floated away.

    Sabastine, forever unstoppable, was hacked severally in the Dutch penalty area as she darted in whenever she had the ball, but Araya saw no reason to award a penalty kick to Nigeria.

    In the second minute of added time, a Dutch defender handled the ball in the box as Nigeria poured forward. But after consulting the Video Assistant Referee, Araya overturned her own decision to award a penalty kick.

    Defeat meant elimination for a team that had won all three group phase matches, scoring five goals and conceding only one.

  • Costa Rica 2022: Falconets seek to set record against Canada

    Costa Rica 2022: Falconets seek to set record against Canada

    High-riding Nigeria will look to make it a perfect group phase campaign at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup when they clash with Canada at the Estadio Alajuela Morera Soto in what would be the early hours of Thursday (3 am) in Nigeria. The kick-off in Alajuela would be 8 pm Costa Rica time on Wednesday.

    Riding high as the top team of Group C following 1-0 wins over France and Canada has thrown the Falconets into the harshest spot of the klieg lights, but Head Coach Chris Danjuma Musa says his girls have their feet firmly on the ground as they confront the North Americans for another three points.

    “We would like to make it three wins out of three to maintain a great mental state –the winning mentality. If we are used to winning, it would be difficult for any team to bring us down.

    “It would be a mistake to reduce our pace and zest simply because we have qualified for the quarter-finals. The best way to do it, always, is to consider each match as a task that must be accomplished and not slow down. We will still meet tougher teams ahead and the winning mentality is what will sustain us.”

    Canada, who hosted the tournament eight years ago when Nigeria reached the Final for the second time (losing by the odd goal to Germany), is riding an impossibility wave after losing their first two games to the Korean Republic and France, with a disadvantage of four goals. With Nigeria already qualified, the battle for the second spot from Group C is a straight one between the Korean Republic and France, who play simultaneously (3 am Nigeria time) at the Estadio Nacional in San Jose. Both teams have three points each.

    For Canada to sneak through, they would have to achieve a high-score win against Nigeria and hope that either France or the Korean Republic mutilate the other in the capital city.

    Musa is certain to start with the girls who brought down the stubborn Koreans on Sunday night. Goalkeeper Omini Oyono showed improved composure and ball handling, and the steel and awareness of captain Oluwatosin Demehin, Omowumi Oshobukola, Jumoke Alani, and Rofiat Imuran is sustaining the two-time runners-up quite well at the back.

    Midfielder Esther Onyenezide, the scorer of the scorcher that downed the Koreans, and forward Flourishes Sabastine who netted the three-point winner against France, are also expected to be in the flow alongside Chioma Olise, Bashirat Amoo, Joy Jerry, and the tireless Mercy Idoko.

  • Costa Rica 2022: Falconets defeat France 1-0 in opening group C game

    Costa Rica 2022: Falconets defeat France 1-0 in opening group C game

    Two-time runners-up Nigeria gave a sneak preview of their capabilities when they overcame torrential rain, an hour’s delay and more rain to defeat Europe’s top team France 1-0 in the opening match of Group C at the 10th FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica on Friday morning.

     

    Stormy conditions in San Jose, capital of the central American country, made fluid football impossible from the start, but midfield lubricator Esther Onyenezide still caused panic in the French team’s vital area with an intelligent free kick after only seven minutes.

     

    Mexican referee Francia Gonzales opted to stop the game in the 20th minute as a tropical rainstorm made visibility impossible for both the combatants and the umpire. The game’s suspension lasted exactly one hour.

     

    Eight minutes after resumption, Magnaba Folquet had to desperately head the ball away from goal as Nigeria pushed forward. However, within two minutes as the first half wound down, Nigeria skipper Oluwatosin Demehin and France defender Kysha Sylla were cautioned – a measure of the intensity of the battle.

     

    In the second half, both teams fought even harder. Two minutes before the hour mark, Mercy Idoko just failed to connect properly at the tail end of a sweet team move, and 20 minutes from time, goalkeeper Oyono Omini provided a critical block in the vital area as France surged forward.

     

    In the 72nd minute, substitute Chiamaka Okwuchukwu was hindered from getting anything positive as Flourish Sabastine got a cross into the French vital area. The game flowed from end to end as both teams attacked with zest and defended with resolution.

     

    Substitute Jade Nassi thought she had put France ahead when she slotted home from a goalmouth melee that followed a corner kick in the 80th minute, but referee Gonzales consulted the Video Assistant Referee which correctly ruled out the strike for a foul on Omini.

     

    Five minutes later, Nigeria got the goal that their push, effort and enterprise deserved when Flourish Sabastine, top scorer for the Falconets in the African qualifying series, raced onto a brilliant Mercy Idoko pass, kept her composure and slotted past goalkeeper Marie-Morgane Sieber with some flourish.

     

    The Falconets’ next game is on Sunday against Korea Republic at the Estadio Alajuela Morera Soto. Victory in that game will automatically assure Nigeria of a place in the tournament’s quarter-finals.  

     

  • Falconets to begin world Cup campaign against France on Thursday

    Falconets to begin world Cup campaign against France on Thursday

    Two-time runners-up and one-time semi-finalists in Nigeria are upbeat about scooping the three points when they go up against one of Europe’s top teams, France in the opening match of Group C of this year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals in San Jose on Thursday night.

    Head Coach Christopher Danjuma minces no words about his faith in the high-scoring Falconets delivering on Thursday and afterward: “The World Cup stage is about players’ mentality; we have prepared the team very well in that area. You have to go out there, aim to be the best, and work hard to be the best. It is no picnic. I believe that these girls will do Nigeria proud.

    “Playing seven matches in the African qualifying series toughened the team very well, and we have also worked on their psyche. Nigeria has never been an also-ran at this level. Having reached the Final twice and made the semi-finals once, the Falconets have pedigree in this championship. We cannot afford to falter. We will take it one match at a time, beginning with the game against France.”

    Danjuma, who also led the team to the last tournament in France four years ago, where they lost narrowly to Spain (1-2) in the quarter-finals, is banking on the experience of the captain and central defender Oluwatosin Demehin, the lively midfield orchestra of Esther Onyenezide, Deborah Abiodun and Adoo Yina, and the ever-potent forward line of Flourish Sabastine, Mercy Idoko and Joy Jerry.

    First choice Monle Oyono is expected to be in goal against the French side, with wingbacks Omowunmi Oshobukola and Jumoke Alani also favored to retain their places.

    In the African qualifying series, the rampant Falconets hit 11 goals past the hapless Central African Republic in the second round, and spanked the Republic of Congo 4-0 in Brazzaville –with the consequence that the Congolese failed to turn up for the return leg in Nigeria – and then routed Cameroon 3-0 on aggregate in the fourth round. The final qualifying fixture against Senegal was effectively over after Flourish Sabastine hit a hat-trick away in Thies before the home team got a consolation goal from the spot late in the game.

    On Thursday, Danjuma will be goading his girls to summon every sinew of strength, skill, and savvy in them to overpower France and collect three points that will stabilize their campaign and empower their quest to go all the way.

    “It will not be easy but we have what is known as the special ‘Nigeria spirit’ and we will go in there with confidence and belief in what we can do. We will play to our strengths – firm at the back and clinical at the fore.”

    FALCONETS’ GROUP C GAMES

     Vs France – Thursday, 11th August – Estadio Nacional – 12 midnight

     Vs Korea Republic – Sunday, 14th August – Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto – 9 pm

     Vs Canada – Thursday, 18th August – Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto – 3 am      

    ALL THE GROUPS

    GROUP A: Costa Rica, Australia, Spain, Brazil

     GROUP B: Germany, Colombia, New Zealand, Mexico

     GROUP C: France, Nigeria, Canada, Korea Republic

     GROUP D: Japan, The Netherlands, Ghana, USA

  • Falconets depart for Costa Rica in high spirit as Danjuma unveils final list of 21

    Falconets depart for Costa Rica in high spirit as Danjuma unveils final list of 21

    Ever-present African flagbearers Nigeria departed the shores of the country on Thursday evening for this year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals taking place in Costa Rica.

    Coach Chris Danjuma has picked team captain Oluwatosin Demehin and 20 others – an overwhelming majority of whom were involved in the lengthy qualifying series – to wear Nigeria’s colours at the 19 –day championship.

    The Falconets had to scale the hurdles presented by Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Senegal, winning six of seven matches (they only drew with Cameroon in Douala) to be eligible to fly Africa’s flag once more at the finals in central America.

    Nigeria will play France, Canada and Korea Republic in Group C of the 16-natio tournament starting on 10th August, while 2018 runners-up Spain will tango with hosts Costa Rica, Australia and Brazil in Group A. Africa’s other flagbearers Ghana are up against Cup holders Japan, The Netherlands and three –time champions United States of America in Group D.

    Germany, who have also won the competition three times, including 2010 and 2014 when they beat Nigeria in the final, will play Colombia, New Zealand and Mexico in Group B.

    All group phase and quarter final matches will be played at the Alejandro Morera Soto, which is a hybrid of natural and synthetic grass, called stitched grass. The semi final, final and third place matches will take place at the Estadio Nacional.

    Nigeria’s first match of the competition will be against France, which hosted the 2018 edition. At the 2014 championship in Canada, Nigeria topped a group involving Korea Republic, beating the Koreans 2-1 in a group phase match. France finished in third place at the same competition as Nigeria finished as runners-up.

    FALCONETS’ FINAL TEAM FOR FIFA U20 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

     Goalkeepers: Nelly Ekeh, Monle Oyono, Peace Obidinma

      Defenders: Oluwatosin Demehin, Omowunmi Oshobukola, Rofiat Imuran, Jumoke Alani, Chidinma Ogbuchi, Oluchi Ohaegbulem

                                                                                                                                                  

    Midfielders: Bashirat Amoo, Esther Onyenezide, Adoo Yina, Motunrayo Amoo, Chinyere Kalu, Deborah Abiodun

     

    Forwards: Blessing Okpe, Joy Jerry, Mercy Idoko, Flourish Sabastine, Chioma Olise, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu

     

    FIFA U2O WOMEN’S WORLD CUP COSTA RICA 2022

     

    GROUP A: Costa Rica, Australia, Spain, Brazil

     

    GROUP B: Germany, Colombia, New Zealand, Mexico

     

    GROUP C: France, Nigeria, Canada, Korea Republic

     

    GROUP D: Japan, The Netherlands, Ghana, USA

  • Costa Rica 2022: Danjuma invites 30 players to Falconets’ camp

    Head Coach Chris Danjuma has invited 30 players to the camp of Nigeria’s U20 girls, Falconets to kick off preparations for this year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals in Costa Rica.

    Nigeria has never missed a FIFA U20 Women’s Championship since the competition began as an U19 Championship in Canada 20 years ago, and will play France, Canada and Korea Republic in Group C of this year’s tournament scheduled for Costa Rica, 10th – 28th August.

    All invited players are to report at the Chida Hotel, Abuja on Sunday, 26th June.

    The Falconets overcame the challenges of Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Senegal to qualify for the World Cup, at which they have been runners-up twice (2010 and 2014) and reached the semi finals in 2012.

    ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS

     Goalkeepers: Nelly Ekeh; Monle Oyono; Inyene Etim; Peace Obidinma

    Defenders: Oluwatosin Demehin; Omowunmi Oshobukola; Rofiat Imuran; Jumoke Alani; Motunrayo Ezekiel; Rihanat Kasali; Oluwabunmi Oladeji; Oluchi Ohaegbulem

    Midfielders: Bashirat Amoo; Esther Onyenezide; Adoo Yina; Chidinma Ogbuchi; Chinyere Kalu; Amarachi Odoma; Chioma Olise; Favour Emmanuel; Deborah Ajibola

    Forwards: Joy Jerry; Mercy Idoko; Flourish Sebastine; Taiwo Lawal; Precious Vincent; Blessing Okpe; Juliet Adebowale; Joy Omewa; Chiamaka Okwuchukwu

  • Costa Rica 2022: Falconets to face France, Canada and Korea Republic

    Costa Rica 2022: Falconets to face France, Canada and Korea Republic

    Nigeria will play France, Canada and Korea Republic in Group C of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica in the month of August, following Thursday’s draw that was held at the Teatro Nacional in San José, capital of of the central American nation.

    Cup holders Spain will tango with hosts Costa Rica, Australia and Brazil in Group A of the competition slated for 10th – 28th August, while Africa’s other flagbearers Ghana are up against Japan, The Netherlands and three –time champions United States of America in Group D.

    Germany, who have also won the competition three times, including 2010 and 2014 when they beat Nigeria in the final, will play Colombia, New Zealand and Mexico in Group B. Mexico were runners-up at the last competition in Uruguay in 2018.

    All group phase and quarter final matches will be played at the Alejandro Morera Soto, which is a hybrid of natural and synthetic grass, called stitched grass. The semi final, final and third place matches will take place at the Estadio Nacional.

    The draw ceremony at the Teatro Nacional in San José was witnessed by the Head Coach of Nigeria’s U20 girls, Christopher Danjuma and the Team Secretary, Patricia Osuji.

    Nigeria’s first match of the competition will be against France, which hosted the 2018 edition. At the 2014 championship in Canada, Nigeria topped a group involving Korea Republic, beating the Koreans 2-1 in a group phase match. France finished in third place at the same competition as Nigeria finished as runners-up.

    GROUP A: Costa Rica, Australia, Spain, Brazil

    GROUP B: Germany, Colombia, New Zealand, Mexico

    GROUP C: France, Nigeria, Canada, Korea Republic

    GROUP D: Japan, The Netherlands, Ghana, USA

  • Costa Rica 2022: Falconets to know group opponents on Thursday

    Costa Rica 2022: Falconets to know group opponents on Thursday

    Nigeria’s U20 girls, Falconets will on Thursday know which opponents they would have to deal with in the group stage of this year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals, as the draw ceremony takes place at the Teatro Nacional (National Theatre) in San José, the capital of Costa Rica.

    All the 16 participating countries at the tournament scheduled for 10th – 28th August are now known, with Nigeria’s Falconets and Ghana’s Black Maidens to fly Africa’s flag.

    Read Also: Costa Rica 2022: Falconets defeat Senegal to grab WorldCup ticket

    Only four countries, namely Germany, Brazil, USA and Nigeria have played in all editions of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup since the competition was launched as an U19 championship in Canada 20 years ago. Germany have won the championship thrice (2004, 2010 and 2014); USA have won thrice (2002, 2008 and 2012) while Nigeria have twice reached the Final, losing to Germany in 2010 and 2014.

    Ghana, Africa’s other flagbearers, have reached the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup on five previous occasions, crashing out at group stage each time.

    This year’s finals will be played at the same two venues that hosted the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in 2014: Estadio Nacional in San José and the Morera Solo Stadium in Alajuera.

    Thursday’s draw ceremony coincides with the 100 Days To Go special event of this year’s championship, which has as slogan Vamos Juntas (Let’s Do It Together).

    Nigeria have been placed in Pot 2 for the purpose of the draw. Spain are the defending champions, after beating Mexico 2-1 in the 2018 final in Montevideo, Uruguay. New Zealand picked the bronze medals.

  • Falconets earn World Cup ticket after trouncing Senegal 7-2 aggregate

    Falconets earn World Cup ticket after trouncing Senegal 7-2 aggregate

    Nigeria’s national under-20 women football team on Saturday in Benin City earned a ticket to the 2022 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.

    The Falconets achieved this after a comfortable 4-1 win over their counterparts from Senegal, for a 7-2 aggregate victory, after having won the first leg tie 3-1 away.

    Flourish Sebastine who scored a hat-trick during the first leg at the Stade Lat-Dior in Thies two weeks ago was again the cynosure of all eyes.

    She scored a brace in the eighth and 19th minutes at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

    Elegant midfielder Esther Onyenezide made it three on 25 minutes after converting from the penalty kick spot.

    However, just as they did at home in Senegal, the Young Lionesses of Teranga scored from the penalty kick spot as well, after one of their strikers was upended in the Nigerian penalty box.

    In the second half, the Falconets sat comfortably on the game and allowed it run their way, taking things easy and cutting off the few onslaughts of the visitors.

    Just before the final whistle by Eswatini referee Letticia Viana, Joy Jerry made it four for the two-time FIFA World Cup runners-up.

    The result sends the Falconets straight to the World Cup finals holding from Aug. 10 to Aug. 28 in Costa Rica.