Nigeria’s Falconets are prepared to open their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign on Monday (today) when they will face defending champions Spain in their opening Group F fixture at the Stadion Sosnowiec in Poland.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 5pm local time, 4pm Nigerian time, with Head Coach Moses Aduku saying his team is determined to start the competition on a winning note.
Aduku said the Falconets would treat the clash like a cup final as they target the maximum three points against the Spaniards.
“We are looking forward to the match against Spain with high expectations. We are ready and set to go. Spain is a good side no doubt. However, we will approach the game like a Cup final because we want to win,” Aduku said.
The coach added that a win over Spain would put Nigeria in a good position ahead of their remaining Group F fixtures against China and New Caledonia.
Spain have become one of the leading forces in the competition in recent years, finishing runners-up in 2018 before winning the title in Costa Rica two years later.
The Falconets have also had a good pedigree at the tournament, finishing runners-up twice.
Nigeria first reached the final in 2010 before losing to hosts Germany, while their second final appearance came in 2014 when they were beaten by Germany after extra time.
With both teams boasting good records at the tournament, the Falconets will be looking to make a statement today by defeating the Spaniards and taking an early advantage in Group F.
The other group matches against China and New Caledonia will take place on Thursday and Sunday accordingly.
