There is no place to hide. The Falconets have to win in their game later today against their Chinese opponents or face an early exit from the FIFA U-20 Women World Cup in France.
The Nigerians are above their Chinese Counterparts even though both teams are on three points after beating Haiti and also losing to table toppers, Germany.
While a draw will be sufficient for Nigeria to advance, it is always a dangerous tactics to play for a draw, and the Falconets might just need to come all out for the win to ensure no heartbreak. The Chinese are clear about their objective – a win, and they will come all out for the Nigerians in a bid to achieve that.
The Nigerian coach will also hope Rasheedat Ajibade, the highest goal scorer in the African qualifying series, and also scored the country’s winner against Haiti from the spot in the last game, brings her A game. She will be supported by Anam Imo, Chidinma Okeke and Peace Efih, Ajibade
Goal-Keeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie who has arguably been Nigeria’s best player at the tournament after pulling off great saves against Haiti and Germany will have to do it all over again if Nigeria is to qualify for the next stage.
According to the Coach, Chris Danjuma, every member of the team is rearing to go, and understands the magnitude of the task:
“It is going to be a very busy encounter from the first blast of the whistle. We are not expecting an easy match. I said from the beginning that if we must reach the Final, we have to play and overcome very tough teams.
“We have no illusions. The Chinese squad is a very ambitious one, and we have to be at our best to overcome them. We will go out there and give our very best,”