Nigeria’s Falconets face a pivotal test today as they take on Venezuela in their final Group D clash at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, Soccernet.ng reports.
The match, set to kick off at 21:00 at Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero, offers Nigeria a chance to secure their place in the knockout stages with a win or a draw.
Following a narrow 1-0 victory over South Korea in their opener, the Falconets stumbled in a 3-1 defeat to Germany, leaving Christopher Danjuma’s side in a must-deliver situation.
A draw will be enough to see them through to the round of 16 as one of the top two teams, alongside group leaders Germany.
For Venezuela, only a win can keep their tournament hopes alive, but they will still need favourable results from other matches.
The South Americans have yet to win a game in the U-20 Women’s World Cup, drawing one and losing four. In contrast, Nigeria boast a solid record against South American teams, with three wins and one draw in their last five encounters.
Meanwhile, African teams continue their own battles.
Cameroon, who secured third place in Group A, have all but booked their knockout round spot after a 2-0 win over Australia.
Cameroon’s performance, including a 2-2 draw with Mexico and a narrow 1-0 loss to hosts Colombia, has them poised for progression
With four points, Cameroon could advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Ghana and Morocco, however, are struggling in their respective groups and face an uphill battle to progress.
Ghana must defeat New Zealand and hope for favourable results, while Morocco must beat Spain to maintain a slim hope of qualification.
Nigeria will be keen to join Cameroon in the next round, as the two African nations continue to fly the continent's flag at the tournament.
They need to learn how to score goals, they created chances against Germany but wasted all especially one on one and their back was exposed