Falconets Get Brazil, Korea Republic

Nigeria's Under 20 Women National Team were on Monday morning in Japan drawn against South American heavyweights, Brazil, Asian powerhouse Korea Republic and 2012 European semifinalist, Italy in Group B of the forthcoming 2012 FIFA Women's World Cup which kicks off from August 19 to September 8.

Yesterday's draw which was staged at the prestigious Conrad Hotel kicks off the countdown to the junior women championship that will attract 16 participating teams battling for the ultimate trophy currently in the hands of Germany.

Representatives from each of the qualifying team that included Nigeria's Head Coach, Edwin Okon and team secretary, Faith Ben-Anuge were among theose that closely followed proceedings presided over by FIFA Head of women's competitions, Tatjana Haenini.


For Okon, the battle had just started. 'Now we know who our opponents. Great teams with excellent records in the women's game. So it is an indication that we would need to step our preparations, technically, professionally and otherwise," he said.

"Thank God we have the full assurance and support from the the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to see us through. Once l return to Nigeria, my job continues.

Precisely in Thailand at the 2004 edition, Nigeria squared up against Brazil and Italy at the preliminary stage defeating the South Americans and getting a 1-1 draw against Italy.

However, two years later in Russia, Brazil eliminated Nigeria in the quarter final stage. Nigeria were runners-up at the last edition in Germany.