7th September, 2012
Runners-up in 2010, Falconets of Nigeria will have their hands full when they confront hosts, Japan tomorrow morning in the third place match of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Kick off time is 7.15am.
The ambition of Falconets to reach this year’s final, suffered a setback on Tuesday when USA stunned them 2-0 in the first semi final, while defending champions, Germany humbled Japan 3-0 in the second semi final match.
Nigeria will have to settle for a less prominent finish this time around. The best the African side can now hope for is the bronze medal, if they do not spurn as many chances as in their recent outings, having required an extra time to see off Mexico 1-0 in the quarter-final before losing 2-0 to USA in the last four.
For the hosts, they remain heartbroken not to have been able to match the feats of Japan’s senior side at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011. The Young Nadeshiko have nonetheless made history by advancing to the semi-finals for the first time in their history, and they will be eager to put smile back on the faces of their supporters by taking the bronze.
Falconets Coach, Edwin Okon said having lost the final ticket to USA, the team are ready to go for victory against the hosts.
He said his team are in high spirits and ready to give their opponents a run for their money in presence of their home supporters. The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has also called on the Falconets to ensure that they win the bronze medal as a compensation for the nation.