NFF: Falconets Will Do Nigeria Proud

 The Nigeria Football Federation has assured that the U-20 Women National Team, Falconets, is aiming at nothing less than the trophy at the on-going FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals in Japan.

On Thursday, the girls of Edwin Okon surged past stubborn Mexico after extra time to reach the semi finals of the sixth edition of the competition.

Reward for the ambitious Nigerian girls is a tantalizing last four clash with Team USA, who caged rampant North Korea in a tough and tight quarter final that also went into extra time in Saitama on Friday.

 Chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee, High Chief Emeka Inyama says the Federation has faith in the Falconets to go all the way in Japan, backed by the support of all Nigerians and the motivational package that the body has put together for the girls.

 “We had faith in the U-20 girls before they left Nigeria and we still have faith in them as they are set for the semi final clash with the Americans. Definitely, the higher you go, the tougher it becomes. And it is also true that when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. That fact is not lost on the players and the technical crew.

“On our part, we have put together excellent motivational package for the girls to overcome the Americans and reach the Final for the second successive edition of the competition,”said Inyama. A headed goal by Desire Oparanozie settled a gritty affair with the Mexicans, with the Americans certain to provide even stiffer challenge at the Tokyo National Stadium on Tuesday. Inyama added: “Every Nigerian should pray hard for the girls.

They are good and have the ability to overcome the USA challenge, but in football as in other endeavours of life, mother luck does come in to play a part.” Tuesday’s semi final between the Falconets and the Americans will start at 4pm Japan time (8am Nigeria time).

The clash is a sort of rematch of both teams’ quarter final clash in Germany two years ago, which the Falconets edged on penalties after regulation and extra time ended 1-1 in Augsburg. Ironically, it took Nigerian-born Chioma Ubogagu to see the Americans through to this stage. She scored the winner in the 98th minute to send the impressive North Koreans home.