The young girls maintained their perfect winning run at the tournament to outclass their North American counterparts
Nigeria’s U20 women national team delivered a delightful, dogged display to dish out a 3-1 beating to Canada early on Thursday morning to the admiration of dozens of their country folks.
The Falconets had already booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup with earlier wins over France and South Korea.
The two-time World Cup runners-up only needed to avoid defeat against Canada to finish top of Group C.
But there was no stopping them from a win, with the young Nigerian ladies coming from a goal deficit to power to a convincing win over their Reds.
A brace of penalties from exciting midfielder Esther Onyenezide and a late effort from substitute Chioma Olise made it three wins from three group games for the coach Chris Danjuma-tutored side.
Nigerian fans who stayed up all night to watch the match, which kicked off at 3 a.m. local time, were impressed with the Falconets’ performance.
The team’s good organisational set-up, their relentless attacking play, and coach Danjuma’s tactical input were things that caught several supporters’ eyes.
Below are excerpts of the fans’ comments about the team’s display.
Those girls are super good
— Stevo (@stevenalba57) August 18, 2022
I wish you them more victory and they need to be solid nd clinical against the Netherland
https://twitter.com/ishaq_bakr/status/1560119997959110656
https://twitter.com/Johnzacheus7/status/1560115661283770369
This girls plays better, congratulations as the group winner, make it count against Netherlands, no selfish play, teamwork, focus, determine and encouragement. Best of luck in the Quarter Final against Netherlands. It's coming home girls.
— Easystem (@Olasquare14) August 18, 2022
In my opinion, seeing that these girls are still young and can go for another u20 tournament, they should be kept together and delay their advancement to the senior national team. They are good I agree but keeping them together will make them gel even better.
— Dennis Agbabuwe (@AgbabuweDennis) August 18, 2022
The girls d give me joy anytime am sad… Well compose.. abeg promote them to super falcon immediately… We no get time… See football.. abeg make una help me sack that oyibo super falcon coach na..
— jacob uloko (@Bablue40) August 18, 2022
https://twitter.com/tomorilateef4/status/1560122014173745154
Nice game, I love the Coaches formation, please let's the defense not sleep against goal scoring Netherlands.
— Chibuzor Chigozie ❁ (@Chigozieweezdom) August 18, 2022
Let's revenge the 4-1 against Ghana and show them why we're the best in Africa
Excellent team work displayed on the pitch today. Congratulations Super Falconet.
— olatunde boluwatife (@_Tife4) August 18, 2022
However, we need to be prepared for our next game. As seen in the second half, the girls need to calm down more. Expand our pressure threshold. Less foul (reduce your yellow cards abeg)
https://twitter.com/AbbeyCr7/status/1560115761150050304
Nigeria’s Falconets have, with the win over Canada, set up a quarterfinal clash with the Netherlands.