Mexico, Nigeria Go To War

Nigeria’s Falconets will have their hands full tomorrow morning when they confront Mexico in the quarter final of the ongoing FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan.

The Falconets made a soaring impression in the group stage of the tournament as they took firm control of all three matches, even if they were pegged back late in their 1-1 draw with Brazil.

Attacking trio Desire Oparanozie, Esther Sunday and Francisca Ordega work excellently together, while the team boast of a solid defence and a goalkeeper in Ibubele Whyte, who coped admirably with the little work she has been presented with.

On the other hand, the Mexican ladies look a different proposition now, having succeeded in combining defensive strength with a clinical edge going forward. Those qualities helped the North American contenders down Switzerland 2-0 and New Zealand 4-0 after their campaign began with a punishing defeat by Japan.

Nigeria, who emerged the first runners up in the last edition of the competition held in Germany are favourites to win tomorrow’s encounter after their impressive performance in Group B. Falconets came first in their group with seven points followed by Korea Republic with six points to qualify for the quarter final stage.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s crunchy tie, Nigeria’s coach, Edwin Okon warned Mexico that his ladies will be out to win the match at all cost, as they will engage their opponents with all seriousness.

“We told Nigerians before this competition that we are going to Japan to bring the cup back home. We respect Mexico but we’ll cut them to size when we meet on Thursday. My team are in high spirits and they are looking forward to the match with great expectations,” he said.

Okon disclosed that his players are injury-free to confront the North Americans, adding that failure to progress to the semi final will be a disappointment to Nigerians.