Official: Ex-Super Falcons boss returns as Falconets head coach ahead of U20 World Cup qualifier against Mauritius

Coach Christopher Danjuma has been reinstated as the Head Coach of the U20 Women national team, the Falconets, Soccernet.ng reports.

Danjuma’s re-appointment comes after a meticulous screening and interview process conducted by the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation.

According to an official statement released by the NFF on Wednesday, the committee submitted its recommendation, which has now received the seal of approval from the NFF Executive Committee.

The selection process commenced with a one-week public notice inviting applications from qualified candidates. Subsequently, shortlisted candidates underwent interviews conducted by a panel representing the Technical Committee.

Danjuma, who has previously taken temporary charge of the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons, on a couple of occasions, led the Falconets to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup last year in Costa Rica.

Assisting Danjuma in his role will be Mansur Abdullahi, a former assistant coach for both U20 and U17 girls’ teams, and Effioanwan Ekpo, a former Super Falcons’ midfielder with an impressive football resume.

Mrs. Ekpo’s distinguished career saw her represent Nigeria for a decade between 2000 and 2010. She participated in notable events such as the 2003 and 2007 FIFA World Cup finals in the USA and China, respectively.

Additionally, she was part of the 2004 and 2008 Women’s Olympic Football Tournaments in Athens and Beijing. Her achievements also include three Women Africa Cup of Nations gold medals and participation in the 2007 All-Africa Games in Algiers.

The Falconets are set to kickstart their journey towards the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in a second-round, first-leg match against Mauritius.

The encounter is scheduled to take place in Saint Pierre on Sunday, 8th October 2023, with the return leg set for the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Saturday, 14th October 2023.