Nigeria’s U20 women’s football team, the Falconets, have stepped up their preparations for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round. The team is gearing up for the first leg clash against Burundi, scheduled for Sunday at the Azam Stadium Complex in Dar es Salaam.
The training sessions in Dar es Salaam have been part of the team’s preparations for the crucial match. The winner of this two-leg encounter will secure a spot as one of Africa’s representatives at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, scheduled for August 30 to September 22.
The Falconets, a consistent presence at the U20 Women’s World Cup since its inception in 2002, have high expectations for this qualifying round. In the last edition held in Costa Rica, they reached the quarterfinals.
The Nigerian team, led by Captain Oluchi Ohaegbulem, arrived in Dar es Salaam earlier in the week. After shaking off jet lag with light training sessions, the team is now fully focused on the upcoming match against Burundi.
Head Coach Chris Musa Danjuma, along with his coaching staff, has a squad of 19 players, including key contributors like goalkeeper Faith Omilana, defenders Jumoke Alani and Shukurat Oladipo, midfielders Taiwo Afolabi and Chima Olise, and forwards Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Opeyemi Ajakaye, and Janet Akekoromowei.