Falconets get difficult U-20 World Cup draws

Opponents of Nigeria's female U-20, the Falconets have been revealed on Thursday

National women’s U-20 Falconets have been grouped alongside France, Canada and South Korea in group C in the draws held on Thursday.

The Nigerian team is one of the two African teams at the 16-team tournament to be held in Costa Rica between 10th and 28th August.

The Falconets’ group opponents are some of the best female teams in world football.

Hosts Costa Rica will face Australia, Spain and Brazil in group A while Group B has European powerhouse Germany, Colombia, New Zealand and Mexico.

The final group has Japan, USA and Netherlands all facing Africa’s second representatives Ghana.

Falconets defeated Senegal 7-2 on aggregate to qualify for the World Cup but will now face some of the world’s best teams at the first hurdle.

The Christopher Danjuma-led team will be playing at the 10th edition of the competition.

Nigeria has never missed out on any U-20 Women’s World Cup and has come second two times in the past in Germany 2010 and Canada 2014.

The Falconets will be looking to improve on the quarterfinal finish achieved in 2018 when they were knocked out by Spain.

The U-20 Women’s World Cup has seen many Super Falcons stars emerge as it has been the brightest channel of talents in female football in Nigeria.

Beneficiaries of impressive outings at the tournament in the past include Asisat Oshoala, Francesca Ordega, Desire Oparanozie, Ngozi Okobi, Rasheedat Ajibade, Osinachi Ohale and others.