Matchday! Falconets take on England for U-20 WWC quarterfinal spot
Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, will slug it out with England for a place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup on Thursday at the Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała, Poland.
The Falconets booked their place in the knockout stages in emphatic fashion, thrashing New Caledonia 10-1 in their final Group F fixture.
The result lifted Nigeria to second place in the group behind Spain, after Moses Aduku’s side had earlier lost 2-0 to Spain and played out a goalless draw with China PR.
Aduku will once again look towards his attacking options, with SL Benfica forward Janet Akekoromowei among the players who impressed during the record-breaking victory.
Winner Onajite David scored a hat-trick against New Caledonia, while Ramotalahi Kareem was also among the scorers as Nigeria produced a blistering second-half display to seal qualification in style.
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England, meanwhile, reached the Round of 16 after finishing third in Group B behind Brazil.
The Young Lionesses opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Canada before recording a 5-1 victory over Tanzania, and then suffered a 1-2 reverse against Brazil in their final group game.
They ultimately finished above Canada on goals scored after the two teams ended level on points.
The meeting promises to be a demanding test for the Falconets, with both teams now just one victory away from the quarter-finals.
If Nigeria successfully advance, they will face either hosts Poland or Colombia in the last eight.
The match is slated for 2pm Nigerian time on Thursday.
