FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup: Falconets Keep Knockout Phase Hope Alive, Earns Draw Against China

By Akinwale Kasali

After the team’s 2-0 loss to Spain in their opening match at the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, the Falconets have earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw against China PR in their second Group F match.

The match played on Thursday saw the Falconets giving a good account of themselves as they curtailed the attacking prowess of their Asian opponent at the Arena Sosnowiec in Poland

Coach Moses Aduku’s side started with intent and created the first clear opportunity through Janet Akekoromowei in the 17th minute.

The Falconets grew into the game as the half progressed, with Kafayat Mafisere winning a corner in the 33rd minute and Akekoromowei going close again in the 38th and in added time of the first period, to see Nigeria ending the first half on the front foot.

China also posed a threat before the break. Huang Jiaxin, Zhou Xinyi and Song Lijuan all tested the Nigerian defence with efforts on goal, while Xue Sifan delivered two dangerous corners. Goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma was equal to the task as the Falconets backline held firm to keep the scores level at halftime.

The second half opened with China PR making a tactical change, introducing Chen Ruilin for Xiao Yafei. The substitution added impetus to the Asians, with Chen, Xue and Huang all registering attempts on goal.

The Falconets responded with urgency. Queen Joseph (in the 58th minute), Mafisere (in the 56th and 60th minutes), and Precious Oscar (in the 54th minute) all went close.

Nigeria thought they had a chance to take the lead in the 74th minute when they were awarded a penalty, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.

Both sides continued to push until the final whistle, but neither could find the breakthrough in a tightly contested encounter.

The result leaves the Falconets with one point from two games in Group F. Coach Aduku’s team will now turn their focus to their final group match against New Caledonia on Sunday, September 13, in Lódź as they fight to secure a place in the knockout rounds and keep Nigeria’s campaign alive at the global tournament.

A victory against New Caledonia with a good and comfortable scoreline may see the Nigeria Side qualify as runners up in Group F or one of the Third best placed team.