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Tag: Falconets

  • 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.

  • Friendly: Coach Danjuma reacts as Falconets lose to Mexico

    Friendly: Coach Danjuma reacts as Falconets lose to Mexico

    Nigeria’s under-20 women football team, the Falconets, on Monday in Bogota lost 0-1 to their Mexican counterparts in a friendly match. The match played at the Club Banco de la República in the Colombian capital city was the final game in their preparations for the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup holding there.

    Mexico scored the lone goal in the 15th minute, through a volley by Alejandra Lomelí. Earlier, the 2010 and 2014 silver medallists had on Friday beaten Australia 2-1 as part of their preparations.

    Speaking after Monday’s match, Falconets’ team head coach Christopher Danjuma said the game was their final warm-up before the tournament proper.

    “The friendly matches were crucial for the Falconets as they have helped the team fine-tune their strategies and assess their readiness for the tournament. We won five of our six qualifying matches with healthy scorelines and have added victory over the Australians, even though we lost to the Mexico team.

    “That the team played two international friendly matches and won one and lost one shows the girls are ready and we will work more on our lapses before the competition,” he said.

    Danjuma however acknowledged that the FIFA World Cup finals would not be easy.

    “The fact that we are up against Korea Republic and three-time winners Germany in our first two matches means we need to be at our best physically, mentally and psychologically. Physically and mentally, I believe we are in shape. Psychologically, we are good also.

    “The team left  Nigeria to Colombia for two weeks so that we can play quality friendly matches in readiness and we have done that,” he said.

    Nigeria are with Germany, Venezuela and the Korea Republic in Group D of the tournament scheduled for Saturday to September 22. Nigeria will start their campaign against Korea Republic on Sept.  2 before taking on Germany two days later on Sept. 4 and Venezuela on Sept. 7. Spain are the competition’s defending champions after their success at Costa Rica in 2022.

  • Colombia 2024: Falconets target victory over Mexico to sustain winning mentality

    Colombia 2024: Falconets target victory over Mexico to sustain winning mentality

    Head Coach Christopher Musa Danjuma said on Sunday that Nigeria’s U20 girls, Falconets, will go all the way in search of triumph over their Mexican counterparts, when both sides clash in a friendly game on the turf of Club Banco de la República in Bogota on Monday evening.

    “Our victory over Australia was such a sweet one, but I have told the ladies to drive it into the recesses of their minds and concentrate on Monday’s encounter.

    We need another victory to sustain our winning mentality.

    We won five of our six qualifying matches with healthy score lines and have now added victory over the Australians to boot.

    “As I keep saying at every turn, the FIFA World Cup finals here will not be easy.

    The fact that we are up against Korea Republic and three-time winners Germany in our first two matches means we need to be at our best physically, mentally and psychologically. Physically and mentally, I believe we are in shape.

    Psychologically, we are good, and we will be great if we defeat the Mexicans to go into the competition unbeaten.”

    In the African qualifying race, the Falconets routed their counterparts from Central African Republic 6-0 each in Douala and Abuja, sent packing Burkina Faso with a 1-1 draw in Bamako and 6-0 spanking in Abuja, and dismissed Liberia 4-1 in Monrovia and 2-0 in Abuja, in the process scoring 25 goals and conceding only two.

    On Friday, the 2010 and 2014 silver medallists edged the Aussies 2-1 in regulation time, and then won a subsequent penalty shootout that happened at the instance of the Australian delegation.

    The clash with the Mexicans, who are expected to provide much-stiffer opposition (having missed only one edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals since it started in 2002), will kickoff at 3.30pm Colombia time (9.30pm Nigeria time).

    Danjuma’s squad from the qualifiers is now boosted by the presence of a number of players who have seen action with the Nigeria senior team, Super Falcons, including defenders Jumoke Alani, Rofiat Imuran, Comfort Folorunsho and forwards Opeyemi Ajakaye, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu and Flourish Sabastine.

    Folorunsho and Ajakaye were in the Nigeria U17 squad that finished in third place at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India two years ago.

    Other members of that squad also with the Falconets in Colombia are goalkeeper Faith Omilana and forward Aminat Omowunmi Bello.

  • 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.

  • Colombia 2024: Falconets prepare to fly over Australia in friendly

    Colombia 2024: Falconets prepare to fly over Australia in friendly

    Coach Chris Danjuma and his crew, which now includes fitness trainer Chima Michael, have been taking the Falconets on drills since Monday, in preparation for the clash with the Aussies on Friday in particular, and for the World Cup finals generally.

    The clash with the girls from Down Under has been scheduled for 10am Colombia time (4pm Nigeria time) on Friday, at the Club Banco de la República in Bogota. NFF’s FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon has assured thenff.com that all arrangements have been concluded for the encounter.

    Danjuma’s squad from the qualifiers is now boosted by the presence of a number of players who have seen action with the Nigeria senior team, Super Falcons, including defenders Jumoke Alani, Rofiat Imuran, Comfort Folorunsho and forwards Opeyemi Ajakaye, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu and Flourish Sabastine.

    Folorunsho and Ajakaye were in the Nigeria U17 squad that finished in third place at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India two years ago. Other members of that squad also with the Falconets in Colombia are goalkeeper Faith Omilana and forward Aminat Omowunmi Bello.

    While the above-named players constitute the spine of the team, exciting talents like defender Shukurat Oladipo, Chioma Olise, captain Oluchi Ohaegbulam and forward Juliet Akekoromowei provide the basis for high expectations.

    The Falconets will tackle Mexico in another friendly match at the same venue on Monday.

    NIGERIA’S SQUAD FOR FIFA U20 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP COLOMBIA 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)

  • 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.